The interdisciplinary Minor in Disability Studies is designed to help students understand disability from historical, cultural, sociological, anthropological, political, legal, philosophical, and other perspectives.
The program focuses on disability as a social and cultural phenomenon, as well as an identity, a social construct, and a metaphor. It does not focus on instructional or clinical approaches to disability, but it can complement the studies of students in these programs.
Topics covered include disability law and policy; the sociology, anthropology, geography, and history of disability; the intersection between disability and race, gender, sexuality, and class; the representation of disability in literature, media, and popular culture; advocacy and self-advocacy; and assistive technology and accommodations for people with disabilities.
The minor in Disability Studies is available to matriculated, undergraduate students from all Syracuse University schools and colleges, provided that they have permission from their home school or college and are in good academic standing.
Students must have a minimum of four semesters available to complete the minor requirements. Students who would like to apply for the minor after the spring semester of their sophomore year must have one or more courses completed or in progress.
The Disability Studies minor requires 18 credits, including one required course and five elective courses.
All students take Introduction to Disability Studies. Electives include courses on deinstitutionalization, Deafness, gender and disability, feminism and disability, and inclusive schooling.
More information about this minor, its academic requirements, and its required and elective courses is available in the Syracuse University Course Catalog.
Academic and Student Services
soeacademicservices@syr.edu | 315.443.9319