Disability Studies Minor

Description

The Disability Studies minor at SUNY Brockport provides an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental approach to the study of disability. Based on critical social theory models of identity, this program introduces students to a nuanced concept of the historical and social construction of disability; explores the ways in which ableism works and how it impacts diverse bodies, spaces, and institutions; and looks at issues related to the study of disability through multiple departments and programs.

The intellectual focus of this program is designed to provide the students with an understanding of critical disability studies and disability as a social construction through its core courses, while balancing this with electives that can deepen critical understanding of social identities and/or broaden students' exposure to issues that disabled populations face in the United States.

Because of its interdisciplinary framework, a Disability Studies minor makes a strong addition to many areas of study, including identity-based studies, social justice work, service fields, medical studies, education, criminal justice, and social sciences.

Programs that pair well with this minor include:

• Adapted Physical education
• Adolescence Inclusive Generalist Education Programs, Grades 5-12
• African and African-American Studies
• Childhood Inclusive Education Program, Grades 1-6
• English
• Healthcare Studies
• History
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Recreation and Leisure Studies
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Women and Gender Studies

Admission to the Program

Any undergraduate student can declare this minor.

Program Requirements

In addition to the course requirements below, students must meet the following requirements:

1. A grade of "C" or higher must be earned for all courses in the minor.
2. Half of the credits for the minor in Disability Studies (9 credits) must be taken at Brockport.

Required Core Courses = 9 credits

• WMS 302 Introduction to Disability Studies
• ENG 355 Disability Studies and American Literature
• EDI 450 Disability Studies in Education

Elective Courses = 9 credits

Choose any 3 of the following:

• PEP 482 Adapted Physical Activity and Sport
• ASL 111 Beginning American Sign Language I
• ASL 112 Beginning American Sign Language II
• PSH 488 Developmental Disabilities
• REL 305 Intro to Therapeutic Recreation
• REL 306 Issues in Diversity and Disability in Recreation
• REL 307 Practicum in Rec and Leisure
• EDI 413 Introduction to Special Education
• WMS 409 Feminist Theory
• WMS 417 Feminism Gender and Medical Discourse
• SWO 479 People with Disabilities
• AAS/PLS/WMS 435 Legal Rights of the Disadvantaged

Total Number of Credits: 18

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Describe the emergence, foundations, and key concepts of Disability Studies as a field of study
2. Conceptualize disability as a political and social construct and identity
3. Compare the medical model of disability with the social model of disability and how people with disabilities experience these models in various aspects of society
4. Explore the concept of privilege and ableism in social contexts
5. Apply a disability studies lens to analyze literature, media, and film
6. Think critically about the ways in which ableism intersects with racism, sexism, cissexism, classism, and heteronormativity