Required Courses
DIS 501 Disability Studies I - 4 credits.
Contemporary concepts and issues in disability studies. This course provides analysis of contemporary classification systems for disability as well as the conceptual foundations for disability studies as a content area. Students will develop a framework for understanding disability as a multi-level entity, including the impact of disability at personal, social, and societal levels. The course will also present contemporary national and international policy issues in disability.

DIS 502 Disability Studies II - 4 credits.
This course explores and analyzes the key definitions of disability and debates around them in light of the major theories, methodological approaches, and proposed public policy uses that shape them. Emphasis in the course is given to the formulation of important research questions and the development of testable hypotheses based on previous theory, literature and experience. A diverse set of current research articles in disability studies is provided and analyzed to serve as examples and raise questions about how different research topics have been addressed and might be used to stimulate future studies. The course considers how civil rights, human rights, self determination, social policy, health care policy, and participative action research influence disability studies. Students will be expected to acquire a command of the literature, gain facility in formulating important research questions, and map out a research strategy to answer their questions.

DIS 510 Concepts in Interdisciplinary Research on Disability - 3 credits.
Core concepts and methodologies of the major research traditions used in disability research. Same as DHD 510.

DIS 541 Advanced Concepts in Disability Research - 3 credits.
This course focuses on the application of advanced scholarship skills. Students will devote the semester to the critical evaluation of a body of research literature. The written evaluation will include identification and review of a body of research literature, an evaluation and summary of its methodological integrity, and the generation or recommendations and research questions based on the review. Classes are devoted to the techniques and strategies of research problem formulation, general writing skills, manuscript development, and other skills necessary for the conduct and communication of research.

DIS 595 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Disability Studies - 1 credits.
Students, faculty, and guest speakers will present topics addressing current issues and research in the area of disability studies. Individual requirements will be established collaboratively by the student and faculty adviser for each semester in which the student is enrolled in this course. May be repeated for a maximum of 2 credits.

Electives
Students must elect at least two additional research methods courses from those listed below or from other offerings in the university. Other electives should be chosen with the student's adviser. A minimum of 12 hours of the elective courses must be taken in the Department of Disability and Human Development. Elective courses should constitute depth of study in a particular area and allow the student to explore individual interests. Note: The courses listed below are not necessarily offered each year.

DHD 430 Introduction to Disability Policy and Organization - 3 credits.
Legislative, legal , and administrative foundations for the provision of services to persons with disabilities in the U.S. Roles of residential institutions, the independent living movement, class action litigation, and advocacy. Prerequisite(s): DHD 401 or consent of the instructor.

DHD 514 Ethical Issues in Disability - 3 credits.
Examines contemporary ethical issues affecting persons with disabilities and disability professionals. Critiques the application of established bioethical principles to problems of genetics and reproductive technology, treatment decisions, competency, autonomy, quality of life and other relevant topics.

DIS 517 Ethics and Disability: Contemporary Problems - 3 credits.
Ethical theories and ethical decision making are examined from an inter-disciplinary disability studies perspective in relation to people with disabilities. Topics include assisted suicide, deinstitutionalization, and genetic discrimination. Same as DHD 517. Prerequisite(s): D H D 514 or consent of the instructor.

DHD 520 Disability and Physical Activity - 3 credits.
Examination of the foundations of physical activity for persons with disabilities. Emphasis on strategies for promoting physical activity among persons with disabilities in community settings. Same as MVSC 520.

DIS 526 Family Perspectives on Disability - 3 credits.  
Examines trends, theories and research methods, policies, and family-centered intervention approaches for families of persons with disabilities. Same as DHD 526 and CHSC 526. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

DIS 535 Seminar in Advocacy and Empowerment in Disability - 3 credits.
This course provides an in-depth review of the academic literature on advocacy and empowerment from the individual, dyad, group, organizational, and societal levels of analysis. Relevant theory, research, and intervention from psychology, sociology, and political science are considered. Particular attention is given to the social movements of persons with disabilities for full participation in contemporary society.

DIS 536 Fatiguing Conditions and Disability - 3 credits.
Empirically supported concepts related to assessment and management of fatiguing conditions. Course also explores the relationship between fatigue and disability from social, psychological, and community-based perspectives. Same as OT 536. Recommended background: Health or behavioral sciences.

DIS 546 Qualitative Methods in Disability Research - 4 credits.
Examines qualitative research methods, design, data collection, analysis, and report writing. Issues of ethical conduct, power relationships, and collaborative approaches. Same as DHD 546.

DIS 550 Disability in the Urban Environment - 4 credits.
This course addresses the social, cultural, physical, and economic elements of the urban context and how these influence the experience of persons with disabilities. Features of inner city environments that exacerbate problems for persons with disabilities are examined as well as potential resources for low income urban communities. Finally, the course examines the impact of effectiveness of treatment that results from the different cultural values of professionals and clients.

DHD 553 Program Evaluation: Documenting the Impact of Human Services - 3 credits.
Examines methods in program evaluation with emphasis on empowerment and participatory evaluation. Students will study quantitative and qualitative strategies, how to communicate information to stakeholders, and how to design evaluations. Same as OT 553. Recommended background: Interest in research, health or behavioral sciences, and implementation and evaluation of community initiatives and community-based organizations.

DIS 564 Community Integration in Developmental Disabilities - 3 credits.
Historical and contemporary issues pertaining to the empowerment and integration of persons with developmental disabilities into community settings. Same as CHSC 564 and DHD 564.

DHD 570 Disability and Culture - 3 credits.
Development of a cultural comparative approach in disability studies; American and cross-cultural aspects of disability; imagery of disability; disability and the body: gender and life-course issues; cultures of disability. Prerequisite(s): DHD 401 or consent of the instructor.

DIS 572 A Representational History of Disability - 4 credits.
Examines historical and contemporary representations of “the body” to demonstrate how cultural concepts such as normalcy, health, and morality are created in reference to “aberrant bodies.” Same as DHD 572. Prerequisite(s): Graduate or professional standing.

DIS 576 Visualizing the Body - 4 credits.
Survey of key moments in the representational life of disability in film. Film portrayals of disability will be analyzed from the perspective of narrative theory, film grammar, and social history. Same as DHD 576. Prerequisite(s): Graduate or professional standing.

DIS 596 Independent Study - 1 to 4 credits.
Advanced study and analysis of a topic under guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

DIS 597 Project Research - 1 to 8 credits.
May be repeated for a maximum of 8 hours of credit. S/U grade only. Students may register for more than one section per term. For graduate students who wish to pursue a research project prior to beginning dissertation research. Requires consent of the instructor.

DIS 599 Dissertation Research - 0-16 credits.
May be repeated for credit. S/U grade only. Independent research in one area of disability studies pertinent to the dissertation topic. Requires consent of the instructor.