ANY3650

Social Construction of Disabilities (6 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: Dr Penny Graham

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2003 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2004 (Day)

Synopsis: The discursive construction of 'the disabled' in our society. The perception and treatment of 'disabilities' cross-culturally and throughout Western history. The link between the ideological construction of the 'normal' and the 'pathological' in current Western conceptions of humanity, and the demands of capitalist production for an 'able-bodied' workforce. One case study will be examined in detail: the social construction and treatment of the 'deaf'.

Assessment: Review(1500 words): 30% + Essay (3000 words): 70%

Contact Hours: 2 hours per week

Prerequisites: ANY/SCY/PLT/WMN second year or by permission