Psychological & Brain Sciences 391TP - S- Topics in Disability Policy

Disability policy shapes the world around us. It affects how we measure the value of a life, develop as people, and care for those we love. In this course, we untangle the ways in which current disability policies play a major role in the construction of our society and our everyday relationships. Throughout the semester, we will unpack the ways that disability has been constructed as a demographic, both as a means for people to gain access to resources as well as a method for the state to legitimize eugenics. We will explore how these policies were created and what their effects have been on our society. Amidst a quickly changing world, this course seeks to ground our efforts of imagining and creating better futures through a critical reflection of disability policy. This class is an opportunity to explore topics in disability policy in an access focused environment.

DDHS (Developmental Disabilities and Human Services) students only. Pre Req: PSYCH 241 Co-requisite: Psych 256

When taken in combination with Psych 494PI, this course can count towards the Integrative Experience (IE) requirement for Primary Psychology majors. This course and 494PI do not need to be taken in the same semester.

Non-DDHS students should visit blogs.umass.edu/ddhs to request registration in this course.