Representations of Disability in Historical, Scientific, and Artistic Perspectives

3 credits · Undergraduate

This course offers an interdisciplinary encounter with historical and contemporary representations of disability in arts, philosophy, science, and activism. Grounded in the social model that views disability as shaped by societal barriers and cultural attitudes, it explores how concepts of disability and normalcy have changed over time and across different cultural contexts. We will examine the emergence of the concept of disability, with particular attention to the rise of biopower and eugenics, and delve into its historical development. We will situate disability within the broader discourse of human rights and examine it through the intersectional lens of gender, Black disability studies, and Indigenous critiques of colonial institutions of power. We will also critically reflect on ableist structures and assumptions within academia and in the classroom. The course will feature guest presentations by disability researchers, activists, artists and educators. FORMATS: Lecture | Seminar