Minor in Disability Studies
The minor in Disabilities Studies provides students with twelve units from courses in a wide range of disciplines that are connected to each other through their attention to disabilities. Students will acquire knowledge about critical theories, historical and contemporary events, and accessible principles. They will apply their knowledge to identify and resist structural and interpersonal ableism, while simultaneously contributing to a more just and inclusive society.
Disability intersects with all aspects of life, and that translates into all academic fields: architecture, technology, engineering, economics, art, recreation, history, literature, philosophy, social work, public health, intersections with race, gender, nation, language, and many others. The Minor in Disability Studies will produce mindful learners who can increase accessibility for everyone, disabled and non, while also uprooting the institutions and ideologies that disempower disabled people. Students in the minor identify how ableism is entrenched within American society, and at the same time, they have opportunities to celebrate disabled joy and community while promoting social justice.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Use critical theories in the history of disabilities and the field of Disabilities Studies to identify and resist ableism.
- Learn principles of accessibility and other skills to build leadership, advocacy, and social engagement in creating a more just and inclusive society.
- Examine ways in which systems inhibit and promote full participation of people with disabilities.
- Gain knowledge and skills necessary to promote change among individuals, communities, and organizations.
Disabilities Studies Minor — 12 units
A minimum of 6 upper-division units are required to complete the minor.
All coursework used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
Lower-Division Courses (6 units)
Select Two:
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ENG 256 | Disability and Literature | 3 |
RRS 220 | Race and Dis/Ability | 3 |
WGS 220 | Introduction to Feminist Disability Studies | 3 |
Upper-Division Courses (6 units)
Select Two:
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CMX 504 | From Superman to the Supercrip: Comics and Disability | 3 |
HIST 484 | Disability and Culture in the U.S. | 3 |
KIN 537 | Movement for Individuals with Severe Disabilities | 3 |
PHIL 383 | Ethics in Medicine | 3 |
RPT 410 | Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation | 3 |
SPED 630 | Inclusive Education: Empowerment and Equity in Diverse Schools | 3 |
SPED 662 | Education of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children | 3 |
SPED 675 | Working with Families of Young Children with Disabilities | 3 |
WGS 563 | Gender, Sexuality, and the Politics of Disability | 3 |
Additional Opportunities for Applied Studies
With the approval of a Disability Studies Minor advisor, students may request to substitute an internship course or another course with a substantial project related to Disability Studies for one of the courses listed above. Courses that might be candidates for such a substitution include the following:
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ANTH/LABR 525 | Diversity in the Workplace | 3 |
BUS 440 | Ethics at Work: Business Impacts | 3 |
DES 256 | Design and Society: Contemporary Design Issues and Applications | 3 |
ENG 490 | Grant Writing | 3 |
I R 259 | Children and Youth in International Relations | 4 |