Course Description
This upper level undergraduate course examines historical and contemporary constructions of disability from a variety of perspectives and highlights various frameworks for interpreting the nature and meaning disability. It will examine the characteristics, classification, and pathology of a variety of developmental, congenital and acquired disabilities.
Course Content
- General overview of disability frameworks and models
- Develop a conceptual understanding of the various meanings and perspectives of disability, e.g.:
- Medical model
- Rehabilitation model
- Social model
- Charity model
- Social justice and civil rights model
- Recovery model
- Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of these models
- Examine exceptionalities and their characteristics, pathology and classification across diagnostic and classification systems including:
- DSM
- ICF
- How disability is defined and measured
- Develop an awareness of the historical and cultural constructs of disability
- Using various theories as a lens to understand disability:
- Examine the history of oppression and politics of prejudice as it relates to disability
- Consider disability movements, independent living and disability rights
- Consider the anti-treatment movement (mad pride, aspie’s etc.)
Learning Activities
- Lecture
- Case study
- Presentations
- Guest speakers
- Video/DVD
Means of Assessment
This course will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations. Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of:
- Research paper
- Class presentation
- Literature reviews
- Case Study/critiques
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of historical and contemporary constructs of disability.
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of the characteristics, pathology and classifications of developmental, congenital and acquired disabilities.
- Compare and critique classifications and schemas of disability and analyze implications and impacts across settings and environments
- Compare and critique representations of disability in culture.
- Demonstrate an understanding of disability as a subject of human rights.
Textbook Materials
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:
Course Pack or
TBA