Faculty First Year Seminars 197EDU17 - (Dis)ability in American Civic

This course examines the influence of social constructions of ability and disability?hereafter, (dis)ability?in American civic life and higher education. Drawing on readings from psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, education, and disability studies, class discussions will focus on (dis)ability as a form of diverse identity and on the complex impact of (dis)ability in the lives of individuals. Considerable course time is devoted to developing a better understanding of how (dis)ability shapes the experiences of college and university students.
Course assessments include attendance, participation, and reflection papers. Participants in the course will also contribute to a class participatory action research project on the Umass campus that will produce specific recommendations about how to make the campus a more inclusive space for all students.

Freshmen Only