Program

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Disability Studies Minor will:

1. Increase cultural competency by critically examining disability as a global societal phenomenon to help destigmatize disability culture and promote disability as a positive cultural identity.
2. Evaluate critically the ways in which ableism intersects with racism, sexism, cissexism, classism, ageism, and homophobia.
3. Explore models and theories that examine the social, political, cultural and economic factors that define disability.
4. Acquire an awareness of disability history, rights, legislation, representation and societal attitudes to understand disability in a personal, social, economic, artistic, and political context. 
5. Assess the various roles people with disabilities have, through their own agency, advocacy, and voices shaped conceptions of disability in history and modern society.
6. Examine ways in which various systems are fraught with ableism and inhibit and limit full participation of people with disabilities.
7. Develop analytical and observation skills to identify systemic ableism and apply inclusive disability frameworks to their academic, professional, and personal lives.
8. Explore Disability Studies within their field of study and intended profession to enhance advocacy, inclusive best practices, and their role as a change agent.
9. Apply the knowledge and skills gained to promote change among individuals, communities, and organizations, by participating in coursework and other course experiences.

Requirements for the Minor

18 units minimum.  At least 9 units must be upper division

Core: 9 units (each course listed is 3 units)

1. SPED 200SL: Introduction to Disability Studies GE
2. HIST 389: Disability in American History and Law
3. ENGL 322: Disability in Literature and Culture

Electives: 9 units (each course listed is 3 units)

• AAS 350: Asian American Personality and Mental Health (3) GE D1 Soc Sci
• ANTH 425: Culture, Health and Healing (3)
• CADV 450: Helping Children Cope with Medical Environments (3)
• CD 133: Survey of Communication Disorders (3) GE E Lifelong Learning
• CHS 476: Healing Traditions in Chicano/a Communities (3)
• DEAF 360 American Deaf Culture (3)
• DEAF 400: Intersectionality (3)
• FCS 354: Functional Fashion (3)
• HSCI 422: Health Services for Elderly & Mentally Ill (3)
• HSCI 442: Health, Culture, and Diversity (3)
• JOUR 372: Diversity and the Media (3) GE F and IC
• KIN451/L: Adapted Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise (3)
• KIN452/L: Adapted Physical Activity for Children (3)
• RTM 204: Introduction to Recreation Therapy (3)
• SOC 304: Sociology of Deviance (3)
• SOC 493: Diversity and Social Justice (3)

Fieldwork and Community Service

This program encourages reflection, outreach, and activism. Because issues around disability identity, rights, and access reach across many disciplines, consider applying the concepts from the disability studies minor to your major. Possible electives for this experience include:

• AFRS 392A-Z. Fieldwork in the African-American Community (3)
• AAS 361A-Z. Asian American Experience of Selected Groups (3)
• CCE 490: Civic and Community Engagement Capstone (3)
• CHS 270SOC/F. Fieldwork in Barrio Studies (1/2)
• CTVA 319. Criticism in Cinema and Television Arts (3)
• CJS 454AA-ZZ. Selected Topics in Criminal Justice (3)
• ENGL 494/IP. English Intern Program (1/2)
• GWS 305/CS. Gender and Women’s Studies Community Service (1/2)
• FCS 494/I. Academic Internship Evaluation (3)
• POLS 449DC: DC Politics, Culture, and History (3)
• POLS 449PR: Professional Development in DC (3)
• POLS 494I/A: Political Science Internship (1/2)
• RTM 300. Recreation and Community Development (3)