Incorporating Disability Studies: Revising the introductory women's studies course curriculum

Abstract

In this thesis, Incorporating Disability Studies: Revising the Introductory Women's Studies Course, I emphasize scholarship from Disability Studies that draws on feminist scholarship. I analyze introductory women's studies courses, using on-line syllabi only, and demonstrate the lack of Disability Studies work within the introductory courses. When analyzing Disability Studies courses for themes and required texts, I discover a rich field of feminist Disability Studies scholarship. I explore the historical trajectory of the development of the "social model of disability," as well as how it differs from the traditional "medical model." I examine the influence of feminist theory on issues of language, identity, embodiment, and sexuality within Disability Studies scholarship. I reveal the omission of Disability Studies perspectives from feminist scholarship. When revising, I offer scholarship that reflects themes noted as significantly important to Disability Studies scholars. Building a URLography, I provide brief annotations to web addresses that also contribute to incorporating Disability Studies material into the introductory women's studies course.