| This course uncovers a history of disability on North America from pre-conquest to the twentieth century. Its traces the experiences of individuals and communities of people with a wide range of visible and invisible conditions now understood as "disabilities". Rather than treating disability as merely a medical impairment, we will explore the historical and cultural variability of disability. Topics covered include: indigenous notions of ability and disability; disability and colonialism; education and institutions; gender, sexuality, and race; eugenics; freak shows; social welfare and charitable programs; disability and war; the Deaf community; and the disability rights and/independent living movement. |
