Psychological & Brain Sciences 391SV - S-Intro to Disability Studies

This course examines the social, historical, cultural, and political construction of categories of disability. Through a wide variety of texts and cultural examples, students will study various meanings of disability. In addition, the class will explore three broad topics: 1) the disability rights movements in the United States and internationally (including the current Neurodiversity and Mad Pride movements), 2) different models and theories of disability (including how each intersects with race, gender, class, and sexuality), and 3) how disability identities and cultures are represented in creative media.

Open to DDHS (Developmental Disabilities and Human Services) students and junior & senior Psychology majors. Registration is only open to students in the Specialization in DDHS Program for the first month of registration. Other students may seek permission after that time. Non-DDHS students should visit blogs.umass.edu/ddhs to request registration in this course (or email ddhs@umass.edu). You cannot register through SPIRE.