Constructing Disability Methods of Inquiry Course Description
Disability is a complex and multifaceted concept term that is often socially constructed. It has elusive and evolving meanings. It also has cultural, legal, historical, and social understandings loaded with idiosyncrasies. Its meaning is subject to change over time or even from one social or cultural group to another. It can be used to describe any chronic health condition (including physical, intellectual, mental, emotional, or addiction) that would affect an individual’s ability to do everyday activities related to mobility, communication, work, etc.
The variability in this term also extends to the ways in which scholars approach the subject. Throughout the semester, we will explore the changing meanings of disability. More importantly, we will pay special attention to the methodologies that scholars use to explore the concept of disability, the questions they ask about“disability,” and the ways in which they use answers to those questions in their respective fields of study. This class will explore the social construct of disability in three ways: “finding” them in the historical record, “perceiving” them through cultural lens, and “including” them in the larger society through design and technology.
The variability in this term also extends to the ways in which scholars approach the subject. Throughout the semester, we will explore the changing meanings of disability. More importantly, we will pay special attention to the methodologies that scholars use to explore the concept of disability, the questions they ask about“disability,” and the ways in which they use answers to those questions in their respective fields of study. This class will explore the social construct of disability in three ways: “finding” them in the historical record, “perceiving” them through cultural lens, and “including” them in the larger society through design and technology.