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Catalog Description Hours: 54 lecture Description: This course explores the field of disability studies. Students will learn the definitions and distinctions of the study of disabilities to include various theories and models of disability. The course is designed for students who want to learn about the connections between disability and society including: the culture of disability, the relationship between disability and various social institutions, human rights issues, current bioethical debates, as well as the intersectional relationship between disability and other marginalized groups. (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Exhibit an understanding of how gender, race, class, sexuality, ethnicity, age, and nationality intersect with disability to shape experience. CSLO #2: Explain the emergence of the Disability Culture and Community, political activism, and the Disability Rights Movement. CSLO #3: Investigate the cultural, intersectional, linguistic, and scientific influences/biases on identification of persons with disabilities.  Effective Term Fall 2026 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours 108 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Examine historical and worldwide perspectives on disabilities. Explain the different models of disability. Understand the various forms of discrimination and social barriers experienced by people with disabilities in “able-bodied” culture. Evaluate the implications of historical and contemporary public policies on people with disabilities. Describe the emergence of disability culture and political activism. Analyze the intersectional relationship between disability and other marginalized groups (race, gender, class, sexuality, etc.) General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Social Sciences AA/AS - Social and Behavioral Sciences CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) CSUGE - D Social Sciences Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) Cal-GETC 4 - Social and Behavioral Sciences IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: The instructor presents a documentary film focused on the history of the ADA from the perspective of several key activists. The instructor leads a discussion on the contextual evolution of this Disability Community. Essay Examinations Example: Select one of the two essay questions. Citation of sources is expected such as “Wong, 95.” A. What is meant by the idea that in mental illness, there is a “politics of diagnosis?” Give four examples. B. Describe Foucault’s idea of “biopower” and apply it in three distinct applications when considering Disability Activists and “the right for life.” Objective Examinations Example: 1. The Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. (1999) that A. discrimination based on age was illegal. B. people with developmental disabilities are citizens. C. people with developmental disabilities could not be forcefullysegregated in their housing. D. education is a constitutional right Projects Example: Choose two types of public buildings and post those choices onto the Discussion Board. Visit each of the buildings and investigate as many areas as possible. Considering both the ADA and the spirit of the ADA, photograph or describe how well the building design did in terms of Radical Inclusion. Report to the class your findings with your evidence and your suggestions for improvement. Reports Example: Choose one Nation from the list provided in the Module. Using UN, WHO, and national data, report on their status of Human Rights for the Disabled in a two-page paper. Be certain to also describe the overall status of rights for gender, race, class, sexuality, and ethnicity as well in that nation. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: The Instructor presents a showcase of Crippen comics and engages the class in a discussion of the politics of disability in the Disability Art Movement through the lens of the Social Model of Disability Distance Learning The instructor posts several salient media articles on the learning management system and writes relevant prompts. Students chose one article and prompt from the options provided. Using Critical Feminist Theory, students participate in an online discussion of their chosen article. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments Read Chapter Six, "The Progressive Era" in "A Disability Reader." Students will discuss social factors associated with the secularization of interpreting what qualifies as the sanctity of human life. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance Read the SOAS paper on "Freak Shows, Colonial Exhibitions, and Spectatorship. Consider how your own role as a media spectator. In writing, contextualize what you learned about Disability and difference from films, television, books and so-forth. Post to the discussion board, actual "learnings" and how they influenced your understanding of humanity. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) The purpose of this paper is for you to investigate your community and its support for the self-determination transition planning procedures for intellectually and physically challenged students. Consider what significant factors are needed and what systems are necessary to be in place for an integrated society. In three to four pages, report (A) what is needed, (B) what exists and (C), what would be necessary to move to Radical Inclusion in your community. Required Materials A Disability History of the United States Author: Kim Nielsen Publisher: Beacon Press Publication Date: 2012 Text Edition: 1 Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: A Disability Reader Author: Alice Wong Publisher: Vintage Publication Date: 2020 Text Edition: 1 Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Introducing Disability Studies Author: Ronald J. Berger & Loren Wilbers Publisher: Lynne Reinner Publication Date: 2020 Text Edition: 2 Classic Textbook?: Yes OER Link: OER: CareWork: Dreaming Disability Justice Author: Piepzna-Samarasinha & LeahLakshmi Publisher: Arsenal Pulp Press Publication Date: 2018 Text Edition: 1 Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.