Contact Person:
James Donahue, Associate Professor
Morey Hall 130, (315) 267-2833, donahujj@potsdam.edu
Program Description:
The Disability Studies Minor at SUNY Potsdam provides an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental approach to the study of disability. Based on the social model of disability, this program introduces students to a nuanced concept of the social construction of disability and explore issues in disability studies through multiple departments/programs of study.
The program’s flexibility allows for students to craft a unique path through their study of disability, allowing the minor program to augment their major field(s) of study, emphasize other aspects of their larger academic careers, and provide a focal point to engage in interdisciplinary study. The program offers an introductory course that lays groundwork for continuing the study of disability through a variety of courses (from departments across campus) as electives, and culminates in a capstone project in experiential learning.
The intellectual focus of this program is designed to provide the students with a wide range of courses that allow for a comprehensive approach to the physical, cognitive, and social issues that disabled populations face in the United States.
18 credit hours required.
All courses are 3 credits unless noted. Credits are divided as follows:
Core Courses (9 credits):
LITR 295: Introduction to Disability Studies (Pre-requisite: Sophomore standing)
Three credits in American Sign Language (This can be fulfilled with ASL 101: Introduction to American Sign Language (3 credits) or, should the student have facility with ASL already, with ASL 102 or 103.)
*Another course that focuses on issues of disability and communication can be substituted for this requirement, for students with motor skills issues or who otherwise cannot engage in signed communication.
Applied Learning Experience (3 credits)
INTD 491: Disability Studies Internship (8 hours/week, for 15 weeks)
OR
Disability Studies Service Learning Course (Any course listed below that includes a service learning component can fulfill this requirement (instead of serving as an elective);)
OR
Independent Study Research Project (3 Credits)
Elective Courses (9 credits):
*Students must take at least one course from each cluster
Cluster 1: Arts & Humanities
ASL 102/103 American Sigh Language
COMM 445: Intercultural Communication
DRAM 110: Alexander Technique (2 credits)
DRAM 364: Applied Theater
PHIL 105: Human Nature
PHIL 328: Issues in Ethical Theory (Pre-req: one course in Philosophy)
PHIL 331: Moral Issues in Mental Health
Cluster 2: Social Sciences
HLTH 200: Therapeutic Recreation (cross-listed as WILD 200)
HLTH 331: Death and Dying
POLS 395: Classic Cases in Bioethics (4 credits)
PSYC 322: Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities (Pre-reqs: PSYC 100: Introduction to Psychology and PSYC 220: Child Development; or permission)
PSYC 375: Abnormal Psychology (Pre-req: PSYC 101: Introduction Psychology)
SOCI 325: Sociology of Social Services (Pre-req: SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology)
SOCI 330: Social Thanatology (Pre-req: SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology)
SOCI 390: Sociology of Mental Illness (Pre-req: SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology)
SOCI 495: Sociology of Health and Illness (Pre-req: SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology)