Course Description
Students will explore critical issues, topical questions and concerns, and reflect on their own experiences in special education contexts from disability studies perspectives. Students will investigate disability as a cultural identity and explore the work of contemporary disability artists and cultural activists that relate to their own artmaking and teaching.
Athena Title
Disability Art Ed
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will understand disability as cultural identity. They will recognize disability as a source of diversity and cultural richness in society.
- Students will reflect their own experiences on special education experiences and analyze personal experiences in special education through disability studies perspectives.
- Students will explore contemporary disability art and activism and investigate the contributions of disability artists and activists to art and art education.
- Students will design and develop inclusive art and teaching practices and apply inclusive methods in art and teaching that value diverse abilities and perspectives.
- Students will critique representations of disability in art and visual culture historically and in current contexts and critically assess how disability is portrayed in contemporary art and in cultural practices.
Topical Outline
- Introduction to Disability Studies in Education
• Overview of disability studies and its relevance to special education
• Understanding disability as a cultural identity
• Key terminology, theories, concepts and key art educators’ work in disability studies in art education
- Reflecting on Personal Experiences in Special Education
• Discussions on experiences with disability and special education
• Analyzing special education practices from a disability studies perspective
• Group discussions on personal insights and challenges
- Contemporary Disability Art and Cultural Activism
• Exploring disability representation in visual and performing arts
• Learning from contemporary disability artists and activists
• Exploring and analyzing disability-led art movements
- Critical Issues and Ethics in Disability Representation
• Examining ethical considerations in representing disability in art and visual culture
• Analyzing stereotypes, biases, and authenticity in disability portrayals
• Discussions on the impact of art and media on societal perceptions of disability
- Applying Disability Perspectives in Inclusive Art Education
• Considering projects that integrate disability perspectives
• Designing inclusive art educational strategies for art education
