Disability and Society:
Introduction to Disability Studies
LSJ 332/CHID 332

University of Washington
Fall Quarter 2009

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:30 - 1:20 (101 Loew Hall)

"Through framing disability, through conceptualizing, categorizing, and counting disability, we create it. We have conceptualized it as sin, a medical flaw, a health-related work limitation or some other kind of defect."¹

Instructors

Course Overview

This course is an introduction to the field of disability studies. We will focus on the theoretical questions of how society predominantly understands disability and the social justice consequences. We address these questions by examining the biological, social, cultural, political, and economic determinants in the social creation/construction (framing) of disability and their effects on those "claiming" and/or labeled as disabled.

This course will: 1) Increase your understanding of the field of disability studies and give you the necessary background to engage with the contemporary literature in this area; 2) Sharpen your awareness of the portrayal of disability in modern culture; 3) Enhance your ability to critically reflect upon the construct of "normality" in the ways in which this concept has shaped the understanding of disability; and 4) Familiarize you with the historical and legal treatment of people with disabilities in the USA, which includes an appreciation for the concepts of discrimination, bias, and exclusion in the majority/institutional culture.

Learning Goals

On completion of this course you will, through written, verbal, sign, and/or other forms of communication, be able to:

1. Compare and contrast the major perspectives (Moral, Social, Medical, Personal Tragedy models) of disability.
2. Identify political, economic, and social forces that have shaped Western society's understanding of disability.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the following disability related concepts among others: disability, handicap, impairment, normal, stigma, eugenics, inclusion and discrimination.
4. Articulate an understanding of the disability community's position on the following issues among others: prenatal testing, Deaf-deaf, physician assisted suicide, and cochlear implants.
5. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the civil and human rights of disabled people.
6. Articulate key moments in the history of the disability rights movement.

Methods

Lectures, class discussions, readings, films, guest speakers, individual and group projects.

Students who enroll in this course must be prepared to engage with multiple and varied readings. This is an intense discussion and participatory course. If you are generally uncomfortable talking in class settings, please talk with Sherrie Brown early in the quarter in order that we can problem-solve how to include you in the discussions.

Some of the topics covered in this class raise sensitive ethical or policy questions and may create tension during class discussion. We recognize that this may occur and will work to ensure that differing opinions are well respected by all. Passionate opinions and reflections of personal ethics when offered in an atmosphere of tolerance can create a rich learning experience for all.

Accommodations

Students with disabilities need not disclose. To request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact Disability Resources for Students (DRS), 448 Schmitz, 206-543-8924/V, 206-543-8925/TTY. If you have a letter from Disability Resources for Students indicating you have a disability which requires academic accommodations, please present the letter to me so we can discuss the accommodations you might need in this class.

If you have questions or concerns about disability accommodation for students do not hesitate to contact one of the instructors or DRS directly.

Communication policy

All requirements and policies of this course are outlined in this syllabus. Any changes to the syllabus, announcements, and handouts will be posted on the course website, and it is your responsibility to check the website for updates. The best way to contact the instructors is by email. We can also meet you on campus by appointment. Feel free to contact either of us if you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of the course.

Policies for submitting and returning work

It is your responsibility to keep careful track of assignments and due dates. Be sure to check the website regularly for any changes to the schedule. Essays and projects received late will receive grade penalties of 10% per day. You must be present on the assigned day for your oral presentation. No extra credit or paper re-writes will be permitted. Keep copies of all submitted work for your protection. Work will be returned with comments as quickly as possible. You are encouraged to consult with either instructor about your ideas and questions regarding the assignments.

Documentation of sources and academic integrity

When writing an essay, all direct quotations, paraphrases, information, interpretations, and opinions taken from another person's work must be identified. All work submitted for course credit must be an original effort. Plagiarism means presenting the words or ideas of another person as if they were your own, for example by turning in someone else's work or failing to document material you have quoted or borrowed. Any evidence of cheating or plagiarism, whether intentional or accidental, will result in a grade of zero for that assignment. Additional sanctions may also be imposed by the University administration under the provisions of the Student Conduct Code. You are responsible for understanding all aspects of University regulations regarding academic integrity.

Textbook

Shapiro, Joseph P. No Pity: People With Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement. New York: Random House, Inc., 1993.

Course Website/List Serv

All additional required readings and supplementary materials will be available on the course website in accessible formats. You are responsible for checking for announcements/notices posted to the course website. http://courses.washington.edu/intro2ds/

You are also automatically included in the course listserv. This list will be used to convey last minute changes in the schedule/readings, etc. You are welcome to use the list serv to share information with fellow students and your instructors. lsj332a_au09@u.washington.edu

Grading Scale

Participation

We expect you to be in class and hope that everyone will participate in class discussions. However, if you are ill and/or otherwise cannot be in class for 2 or more class periods, please let Sherrie Brown or Julie Myers know as soon as you can.  As stated later in the syllabus, we will not allow make ups for the small group discussion credits or the group presentations; however, we will take your absence into consideration when grading if you communicate with us in advance. 

Please sign up to meet for approximately 15 minutes with Sherrie Brown or Julie Myers within the first few weeks of the quarter. The meetings are intended to help us get to know you and to be sure you are clear on course expectations, answer any questions, etc. Times can be arranged if you cannot meet during the office hours in the south building for Sherrie Brown. A sign-up sheet with additional times will be available in class.

[1] Higgins, Paul. (1992) Pp. 6-7 Making Disability: Exploring the Social Transformation of Human Variation. Springfield, Il: Charles C. Thomas