Disability Studies in Discourse Analysis

This course offers an insightful exploration of Disability Studies within Discourse Analysis, utilizing an AI-enhanced interactive learning environment. It delves into how Disability Studies in Discourse Analysis critically examines and influences societal perceptions of disability through language, utilizing frameworks such as Social Constructionism, Foucauldian Analysis, and Narrative Analysis to advocate for transformative change and greater inclusion. Students will engage with methodologies like Critical Discourse Analysis and ethnography to uncover how disability is constructed and represented across media, policy, and daily interactions, informed by case studies from scholars like Beth Haller and Colin Barnes. This approach not only challenges traditional views but also supports advocacy and policy development for inclusivity and equity. The course also addresses critiques of Disability Studies, including its engagement with medical models and the need for broader inclusivity and intersectionality. Through interactive articles and the Discourse Analyzer AI assistant, students are encouraged to actively engage with the content, select text segments, and query for detailed explanations, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of disability discourse in a dynamic and personalized learning environment.