LFU:online

After completing the seminar, students will have expanded their knowledge of theoretical concepts, key works and empirical research in the field of Disability Studies.

This seminar will focus on the connections between Disability Studies (theory and research) and activism. Students will learn how social change and human rights can be achieved.  

The seminar explores how Disability Studies research can identify and challenge the institutional, cultural, social and legal processes that contribute to the exclusion and discrimination of persons perceived as being disabled.

The analyses will be framed around topics of human rights, inclusion and equality in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

A variety of interactive methods will be used to deepen understanding of Disability Studies and develop fluency in spoken and written English. These include all-class discussions, small group work, presentations and short essays.  

Term paper, active participation

The following texts give a flavour of the diverse topics that will be covered in the module, all considering how disability studies help to shape activism and practice.  

• Mladenov, T. (2020) 'What is good personal assistance made of? Results of a European survey'. Disability & Society, 35:1, 1-24
• Singal, N. and Muthukrishna, N. (2014) ‘Education, childhood and disability in countries of the South – repositioning the debates.’  Childhood, 21:3, 293-307
• Brehme, D., Fuchs, P., Köbsell, S. und Wesselmann, C. (Hrsg.) (2020) Disability Studies im deutschsprachigen Raum: Zwischen Emanzipation und Vereinnahmung. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. Open-Access-Text online verfügbar unter https://disabilitystudies.de/publikationen/

Regular attendance

Participants will need to read texts in English and German before/after each seminar class in order to deepen their knowledge. 

Seminar discussions will be in English and small essay tasks every 2 weeks will help to develop writing competences in English.