BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of the interpretations of disability throughout different historical periods, analysing the relationship between society and disability, cultural representations, and political and social responses. Students will acquire critical tools to understand how historical perspectives still influence the design of inclusive environments today.
The learning goals are to:
- Understand the main historical conceptions of disability;
- Analyse the evolution of political and cultural conceptions related to disability;
- Develop a critical and reflective approach to disability from historical and social perspectives.
Course Prerequisites
This module is part of the cluster "THE LIFE PROJECT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES." It can be attended according to individual preferences; however, it is recommended as a preparatory module to be taken first before the others.
Teaching Methods
The course is primarily delivered online and in Italian (with subtitles available in Italian, English, and Spanish). It includes both Didattica Erogativa (DE, content delivery) and Didattica Interattiva (DI, interactive teaching).
In-person lessons (6 hours) take place in classrooms and are delivered via videoconferencing tools that allow for active remote student participation. The course webpage provides pre-recorded video lessons (approx. 15 minutes each) and study materials (DE: 9 hours, extended to 18 hours for review).
DI activities include interactive web conference sessions (DI: 3 hours) and communication and collaboration learning activities such as forums, formative assessment, and group work (DI: estimated 6 hours).
The scheduling of the hours may be adjusted during the course based on student feedback and organizational considerations.
Small group activities during lessons and online exercises (DI), as well as the discussion of case studies in video and in-person lessons, are the teaching methods used to enable students to analyse complex situations and design educational and inclusive approaches.
The video lessons (DE) provide guidance on using the ICF model and tools for personalized planning, with examples and case studies drawn from academic literature, legal documents, and professional experiences. Activities are integrated with internship experiences and the first in-person meeting, which involves hands-on workshops with stakeholders.
Assessment Methods
To complete the module and obtain the Open Badge, students must pass an assessment (open/closed-question quiz with/without e-proctoring) to demonstrate their understanding of the covered topics.
Evaluation criteria:
- Accuracy of responses;
- Command of specialized terminology;
- Depth of reasoning and analysis.
The assessment is expressed in terms of suitability. The test is considered passed upon achieving suitability.
The exam takes place in person. Passing the exam is a prerequisite for taking the cluster exam and earning the Open Badge.
Exam sessions follow the academic calendar and align in number with other cluster module exams.
This module belongs to the Educational Cluster “THE LIFE PROJECT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.”
Contents
- Introduction to the history of disability (key concepts: normality, ableism, and diversity – disability as a social construct: definitions and paradigms);
- Disability in Ancient and Medieval Ages (mythological and religious perspectives: disability as a divine sign or damnation – social treatments and institutional responses: the role of families and charity);
- Modern era: the rise of institutions and early medical theories (asylums, hospitals, and mental institutions: from segregation to medicalization – Enlightenment and human rights: early attempts at integration and special education);
- Disability in the 20th century (from rehabilitation to rights advocacy: the role of international social movements – the United Nations and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities);
- Contemporary perspectives (social model/disability studies, rights-based model, bio-psycho-social model).
Online Resources
More information
Students with a PDP (Personalized Didactic Plan) or PEI (Individualized Educational Plan) may request to take the exam orally (if specified in their program document); however, all students are encouraged to take the exam in the format outlined in the syllabus. Any change must be agreed upon with the course instructor.
Please note: the use of concept maps (only allowed for students with the right to use them) must be approved by the professor at least one week before the exam.
For international or Erasmus students, it is possible to take the exam in English and agree on the exam program after an interview with the professor, based on the English-language texts listed in the bibliography.