Course Description

Course Name

Disability And Society

Session: VGSS3122

Hours & Credits

20 SCQF Credits

Prerequisites & Language Level

Taught In English

  • There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.

Overview

This course will provide students with an understanding of social and public policy and society in relation to disabled people. By looking at the various definitions of impairment and disability, discussion will focus on the constructions of ?disability? as an identity category, issues relating to citizenship and its reflection across a range of policies.
The aims of the course are to:
  • explore the contestations relating to how ?disability? is defined and conceptualised across a range of social and political contexts.
  • explore the role of disability activism in securing policy change.
  • explore the social experiences and life chances of disabled people in different policy arenas.
  • critically assess the representation of disabled people in social and public policies and across a range of traditional and new social media.
  • critically examine the representation of ?disability? and related issues in social research
By the end of this course students will be able to:
  • critically assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of competing conceptual models of disability and their application in social and public policies.
  • understand the way in which policy influences disabled people?s social experiences and life chances.
  • understand and critically analyse the social and public policies in place to support the needs and redress inequalities experienced by disabled people.
  • draw on an international examples to compare the social and political participation of disabled people.
  • critically evaluate the key theoretical debates around structure, agency and identity within disability studies.
Assessment
1 essay of 2500 words 40%
1 two hour exam 60%

*Course content subject to change