Contact Institute for Human Development
Disability Studies, Minor
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.
Requirements Accordion Open
A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.
To receive a minor (18 to 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.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
Please note that students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
No more than 50% 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:
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of disabilities which affect persons across the lifespan and the social systems which support persons with disabilities at critical junctures in their lives.
- Communicate that disability is part of human diversity and demonstrate understanding of this diversity and its impact on personal and societal attitudes
- Define disability from a number of different paradigms and compare and contrast different models of disability.
- Discuss the concepts of person/family centeredness, functionality and participation and contrast it with diagnosis, handicap and limitations.
- Investigate how public policy and disability rights play a role in society’s changing view of disabilities and how they affect supports and services.
- Analyze how disability is represented across disciplines and in society through the arts, literature, media and other public domain areas.
Details Accordion Closed
Minor Requirements
Take the following 18 units:
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.
- The historical and legal treatment of those with disabilities,
- The role of disability in today’s society
- The concept of "normal" and how it influences our understanding of disability