This undergraduate minor explores the role of disability in society today and how society's concept of normalcy has shaped perceptions of disability. Students will build a firm realization that disability can be understood as one facet of human diversity. By pursuing foundational knowledge of the rapidly emerging field of disability studies, students will learn to think critically about the ways in which disabled persons have experienced inequality and oppression.
Students from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines will benefit from the interdisciplinary Disability Studies minor. The minor will provide you with foundational knowledge of the rapidly emerging field of disability studies. You will explore and critically examine the historical and legal treatment of people with disabilities and acquire an awareness and understanding of the role of disability in today society.
You will examine your own attitude towards disability while reflecting on the construct of normality and the ways in which this concept has shaped the understanding of disability. Through studying the emergence of disability culture and the disability rights movement, you will come to appreciate the concepts of acceptance, inclusion, integration, independence, and productivity as these apply to individuals with disabilities and society at large.
A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.
To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 18 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Research | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
Purpose Statement
The minor in Disability Studies is an excellent complement to most majors. Its purpose is to assist students in acquiring foundational knowledge of the rapidly emerging field of disability studies. Students will learn to think critically about the ways inwhich disabled persons have experienced inequality and oppression. They will explore the role of disability in society today and how society concept of normalcy has shaped perceptions of disability. Students will build a firm realization that disability can be understood as one facet of human diversity
Student Learning Outcomes
As a result of completing the undergraduate minor in Disability Studies students will:
Take the following 18 units:
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.