Program Overview

Disability Studies Program

The Disability Studies program examines disability as a social, cultural, historical, and political phenomenon rather than focusing on its clinical, medical, or therapeutic aspects. It is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary field that draws on scholarship from diverse disciplines, including anthropology, architecture, the arts, communication and media studies, cultural studies, economics, gender studies, geography, global studies, history, law, literature, medicine, nursing, philosophy, policy studies, political science, religious studies, social work, and sociology.

Program Description

The certificate program helps students expand their knowledge and awareness of issues related to disability and prepare for careers in a variety of fields. Its multidisciplinary nature makes disability studies a good complement to a broad range of undergraduate majors.

Program Outcomes

Students who complete the certificate develop:

• understanding of the history of disability in America;
• awareness of how culture and society define disability;
• the ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds;
• a personal philosophy of treating people fairly, equitably, and thoughtfully; and
• greater understanding of and concern for public policy issues and active citizenship.

Program Administration

The certificate program in disability studies is administered by the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology.

Courses

• DST:1000 First-Year Seminar: Small discussion class taught by a faculty member; topics chosen by instructor; may include outside activities (e.g., films, lectures, performances, readings, visits to research facilities). Requirements: first- or second-semester standing.
• DST:1101 Introduction to Disability Studies: Introduction and overview of important topics and discussions that pertain to the experience of being disabled; contrast between medical and social models of disability; focus on how disability has been constructed historically, socially, and politically in an effort to distinguish myth and stigma from reality; perspective that disability is part of human experience and touches everyone; interdisciplinary with many academic areas that offer narratives about experience of disability. GE: Understanding Cultural Perspectives.
• DST:1200 Disabilities and Inclusion in Writing and Film Around the World: Exploration of human experiences of dis/ability and exclusion/inclusion. Taught in English. GE: Understanding Cultural Perspectives. Same as GHS:1200, GRMN:1200, WLLC:1200.
• DST:3200 Bioethics, Health, and Disability: There is always room for learning to think more carefully about any ethical dilemmas that might be encountered in potential future roles as health care or social service professionals; students take a more fundamental look at issues affecting health care and social services access for people with disabilities than presently occurs.
• DST:3201 Advanced Disability Studies: Issues and Research: Advanced exploration and discussion of contemporary issues, concepts, and research in disability studies; investigation of domains of disability in society (i.e., history, politics, health care, housing, recreation, media); engagement with disability related organizations; application of a global social justice perspective to disability rights and equity; exploration of disability as a culture, identity, and variation on the continuum of human existence. Requirements: DST:1101.
• DST:4198 Therapeutic Recreation: Experiences in Adaptive and Inclusive Sports: In-depth exploration of adaptive and inclusive sports from the perspectives of disability studies, therapeutic recreation, and sport and recreation management; examines the intersectionality of these three crucial components to create meaningful, accessible, and inclusive sporting experiences for individuals with diverse abilities; integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, including hands-on experience in adaptive sports programming. Students will emerge with the skills and understanding needed to facilitate adaptive sports activities. Same as HHP:4197, TR:4197.

Program Leadership

• Chair, Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology: Gary L. Pierce
• Coordinator, Disability Studies: Kristina M. Gordon (Health, Sport, and Human Physiology)