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Disability Studies

A minor is available in Disability Studies. This interdisciplinary minor will explore various topics related to disabilities and focus on disability issues in today’s society. This minor draws from a variety of disciplines and allows students to gain knowledge and skills in the area of disability studies from many perspectives. A field placement (FP) in an ability diverse setting is required.

Minor in Disability Studies

18 credit hours

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a minor in Disability Studies will:

  1. Describe foundational social, cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives in the study of disability in society.
  2. Recognize disability as a fundamental facet of human diversity and determine ways to advocate for improved quality of life and justice for people with disabilities.
  3. Position disability as a social justice issue by participating in learning opportunities that address inequities and injustices affecting the lives of people with disabilities.
  4. Apply critical thinking skills to examine issues related to disability and intersection with their major areas of study.

Course descriptions

  • BIOL 212 Empathic Animals

    Explores conflict, violence and peace in human interaction with animal life. Perspectives from animal behavior, sociology, ethics, religion, agriculture, and conservation will illumine the precarious balance humanity faces in sustaining or exploiting lives that share this planet with us. A...

  • CJRJ 200 Sociology of Crime and Deviance

    This course introduces students to criminology and criminological theories. Crime and reactions to crime will be examined as they relate to social and institutional life in contemporary U.S. society. Students will gain theoretical lenses for understanding the situational and systemic...

  • EDUC 300 Exceptional Learners

    A study of students with exceptionalities within an academic setting offers practical information on meeting students’ exceptional needs within mainstream classrooms. The course provides basic information on identification procedures, characteristics of different categories of special education, instructional methods, materials, adaptations,...

  • EDUC 341 Mild Disabilities I

    The study of assessment, identification, characteristics and instruction of elementary students with learning disabilities and mild cognitive disabilities provides a foundation for accommodating all students with learning challenges through thorough development of Individual Educational Plans (IEP). Traditional and contemporary measures...

  • EDUC 348 Teaching Adolescents/Except Needs

    The study of assessment, identification, characteristics, and instruction of adolescents with disabilities. Focuses on methods that accommodate the academic, social, cognitive, and physical needs of the adolescent with disabilities. Explores components of Individual Educational Plans specific to adolescents with disabilities....

  • INT 380 The Deaf Community: Subcultures

    This course will introduce students to subcultures and cultural groups within the broader Deaf community such as Black Deaf culture, Latino Deaf culture, LGBTQ Deaf, DeafBlind. The course will also discuss working with people within the Deaf community who are...

  • KIN 320 Adaptive Physical Activity & Sport

    This course, required for all physical education teacher licensure and general physical education majors, will examine attitudes, methods, techniques, and special considerations important in addressing physical activity needs and interests of children and adolescents with disabilities. Critical aspects of motor...

  • PJCS 210 Transforming Conflict and Violence

    Explores the potentially constructive nature of conflict, the destructive nature of violence and the relationship between the two. Examines various patterns of communication, conflict and violence and what is needed for transformation. Students will reflect on their own conflict styles,...

  • PJCS 325 Mediation:Process, Skills, Theory

    Focuses on the third party role of the mediator. Explores the theoretical basis for mediation, its various applications in North America, and critiques of the appropriateness of mediation for certain types of conflicts. Emphasis will be on experiential learning to...

  • PJCS 347 Restorative Justice

    Begins with an account of some of the classic and mainstream understandings of justice and then moves on to an overview of the foundational principles of restorative justice and its various practical applications. The course will examine and address the...

  • PSYC 306 Abnormal Psychology

    A study of the variety of psychological disorders as classified by the DSM system. Issues related to classification will be discussed. A biopsychosocial model will be assumed when discussing etiology and treatment. Since this is primarily a descriptive course, considerable...

  • PUBH 200 Introduction to Public Health

    This course provides an overview of the field of Public Health and emphasizes basic principles, practices and policies. Related to this, students will learn the infrastructure and organization of public health in the U.S. at the local, state and federal...

  • SOWK 221 Human Behavior

    This course is a study of the individual through the life cycle within the social environment. Foci include physical, psychological, social, cultural and religious factors in the development of the self. Dimensions of diversity (including but not limited to gender,...

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