Entanglements of Disability Justice: Environmental Justice and Decolonial Studies

Student Taught class taught by Audrin Thorn

Modality - Remote, Synchronous

Ableism has historically been, and continues to be, central to the ideologies of white supremacy, colonialism, and environmental exploitation. Thus, laboring for disability justice must be a central component of anti-racism, decolonial justice, and environmentalism. By understanding the world through a critical disability lens, we can "crip" our movements; if we apply disability experiences, skills, and expertise, it not only makes our movements more accessible, it will make them more sustainable and resilient.

Course Learning Objectives 1)Introduce the foundational concepts of critical disability studies; 2)Explore the value and methods for practically "cripping" social justice movements; 3)Learn to apply a critical disability studies lens, using the environmentalism and environmental justice movements as case studies; 4)Learn to apply a decolonial lens to critical disability studies, explicitly tying disability justice and liberation to decolonial justice and anti-racism; 5)Personally grapple with internalized ableist attitudes and beliefs with self-compassion and accountability; and 6)Encourage student interest and demand for more robust critical disability studies at Fairhaven and Western.

Credit and Evaluation Regular course participation, completion of weekly readings and writing assignments, and final project in the form of a 5-page paper.

Course Materials All materials will be available via Canvas or Google Drive readings.