Disability Studies Courses

DSST-100. Introduction to Disability Studies

A guiding question asked throughout the course will be: why and how have individuals with disabilities experienced unfair and/or unequal treatment? To answer that question, as an introductory course, we will examine the social, historical, cultural, and political construction of categories of disability. In addition, this overview will focus on the unequal treatment experienced by people with disabilities. Through a wide variety of texts, all of which are first-hand accounts by individuals who identify as having a disability, an exploration of various meanings of disability will be provided. In addition, the class will explore topics including disability rights movements in the United States, different models and theories of disability and disability identities and cultures. In this course, disability is widely defined to include a range of impairments and differences. Two semester hours. (O.)

DSST-210. Disability Rights Movement

This course explores the disability rights movement in the United States and the ways in which this movement was similar and different from other social and human rights movements. The goals of the disability rights movement involved securing equal opportunities and equal rights for people with disabilities, and the primary issues for this movement were adequate funding, accessibility, and safety for individuals with disabilities. Discussions will include the achievements and the shortcomings of the movement, the major advocates during this movement, and the multiple connections between disability and other identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and class. The historical and legal aspects of the disability rights movement will be studied including imperative legislation such as: American with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), and Section 504. Political and social issues yet to be resolved in the disability culture world will be investigated. Questions raised throughout the course include: What is disability? Why do definitions matter? How is disability socially constructed? How did the disability rights movement evolve? Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN, O.)

DSST-268. In Their Voices: Disability, Media, and Me

Students will be encouraged to meaningfully explore the intersection of disability and national discourse by synthesizing multiple perspectives from humanities and social science disciplines. We will consider representation of multiple disabilities using film, media, and print narratives. Students will participate in analytic discussions throughout their journey. Prerequisite: PSYC-100 or MCS-205. Three hours of lecture. Four semester hours. (DN, O.)

DSST-274. Special Topics in Disability Studies

An occasional content course which will focus on a special topic in Disability Studies. This course is offered as needed. A working knowledge of this special topic will be developed. Two hours per week. Two semester hours.

DSST-275. Special Topics in Disability Studies

An occasional content course which will focus on a special topic in Disability Studies. This course is offered as needed. A working knowledge of this special topic will be developed. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

DSST-381. Internship

An academic/work experience under the supervision of an internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalogue section on Internships. While students are welcome to participate in an internship of their choosing, an internship specifically for UC students has been established for individuals interested in pursuing a career or with specific interest in Disability with the Pennsylvania State Representative offices. This relationship will continue to be cultivated to foster additional internship opportunities for UC students within areas state representative offices with specific focus on Disability, education, mental health, public health, policy, advocacy and legislation. Contact coordinator for further information. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: DSST-100 and approval of a faculty internship adviser. Three semester hours. (XLP.)

DSST-382. Internship

An academic/work experience under the supervision of an internship adviser and an on-site supervisor. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalogue section on Internships. While students are welcome to participate in an internship of their choosing, an internship specifically for UC students has been established for individuals interested in pursuing a career or with specific interest in Disability with the Pennsylvania State Representative offices. This relationship will continue to be cultivated to foster additional internship opportunities for UC students within areas state representative offices with specific focus on Disability, education, mental health, public health, policy, advocacy and legislation. Contact coordinator for further information. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 160 hours of work. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: DSST-100 and approval of a faculty internship adviser. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

DSST-400. Capstone in Disability Studies

This is the final course for all students intending to complete a Disability Studies minor. It intends for participants to draw from their learning throughout their entire course of study. Through this course students will develop a student directed, professor supported research-based solution to a contemporary problem within Disability. Prerequisites: Junior standing and DSST-100. Two semester hours.

DSST-491. Independent Research/Honors

This course is open to candidates for honors and to other students with permission of the coordinator. This course involves independent or student-initiated research experience under the direction of a faculty member. The preparation of a written and oral scientific report is required. Prerequisites: Junior standing, DSST-100, and permission of instructor. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

DSST-492. Independent Research/Honors

This course is a continuation of DSST-491. Prerequisites: DSST-491, and permission of instructor. Four semester hours. (XLP.)