Freshman/Sophomore Seminar: Applying the Universal Design Paradigm to Enhance Educational Access

3 credits · Undergraduate

What is access? In this course, students will refine their definition of educational access and learn about the paradigm of universal design, a set of principles originally developed to ensure that the built environment was accessible to all. Universal design has expanded to apply to learning contexts. Educators, in addition to applying universal design to tangible aspects of the learning environment, are also applying it to intangible elements (curriculum, teaching philosophy and practices, etc.) in order to create barrier-free learning environments that serve diverse student populations. Students will analyze the elements that allow for all students to have fair and equal participation in educational settings.