2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Special Lecture: Disability Studies
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Tomotake Kinoshita
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.S114
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
Aim
The aim of this lecture is to provide basic knowledge about disabilities and to establish a framework for critical thinking.
Overview
This lecture examines disability from an interdisciplinary perspective, encompassing fields such as history, sociology, education, engineering, art, and literature. Accordingly, several themes closely related to disability will be addressed.
First, we will examine the concepts, definitions, and current conditions of disability. We will then discuss a wide range of topics, including communication methods such as sign language and Braille; assistive devices and technologies such as hearing aids and wheelchairs; physical expression in caregiving as seen in films and social movements; and approaches to social design such as universal design and barrier-free environments. These themes will be explored through lectures and group discussions.
Course Format
As this is a liberal arts course, explanations will be given in plain and accessible language. During the course, students may take part in discussions in groups of four to five. Various forms of participation will be respected, and students are encouraged to participate in ways that are possible for them.
Instructor
As the instructor is Deaf*, a wide range of visual communication methods will be used, including sign language interpretation, speech-to-text applications, written communication, and typing. This lecture also offers an opportunity to reflect on the assumptions underlying communication itself.
* Deaf: A person who is deaf from birth or early childhood and whose primary language is sign language.
Course description and aims
1. To gain a basic understanding of the concepts and theories of disability.
2. To develop a broad perspective on disability and to analyze and explain it in one’s own words.
3. To develop the ability to understand the body from multiple perspectives through dialogue with others, and to cultivate an attitude of mutual respect.
4. To explain one’s own interests and areas of inquiry by incorporating perspectives on disability.
Student learning outcomes
実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)
This lecture is based on my lived experience as a Deaf person and my professional experience in disability support, and it approaches disability from a comprehensive perspective.
Keywords
Diversity and Intercultural Perspectives
History
Art
Society and Legal Systems
Universal Design and Barrier-Free Environments
Reasonable Accommodation
Models of Disability
Accessibility
Film and Media Representation
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Each session will be conducted through a combination of lectures and discussions.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Orientation: What is a disability? |
To understand the aims of the lecture and to gain an overview of disability. |
| Class 2 | Disability in Social and Historical Contexts |
Students will be able to engage in dialogue about the situations and social issues surrounding disability, with a primary focus on modern and contemporary Japan. |
| Class 3 | Disability in Social and Historical Contexts |
Students will be able to engage in dialogue about the situations and social issues related to disability, with a primary focus on modern and contemporary Japan. |
| Class 4 | Disability, Universal Design, Barrier-Free Design, and Legal Frameworks |
Students can engage in dialogue about universal design, barrier-free environments, and related legal systems. |
| Class 5 | Disability, Universal Design, Barrier-Free Design, and Legal Frameworks |
Students can engage in dialogue about universal design, barrier-free environments, and related legal systems. |
| Class 6 | Disability and Representation in Literature and Visual Media |
Students can engage in dialogue about people with disabilities as represented in films and visual media. |
| Class 7 | Disability and Representation in Literature and Visual Media |
Students can engage in dialogue about people with disabilities as represented in artistic expression and literature. |
| Class 8 | What is a disability? Part II |
Course wrap-up. Students conduct peer reviews of assignments and engage in discussion and/or take an examination. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance learning effectiveness, students are expected to spend approximately 50 minutes preparing for each class and approximately 50 minutes reviewing the class content afterward, including assignments, by referring to the relevant sections of the distributed course materials.
Textbook(s)
No textbook will be assigned. Students will study using distributed materials, images, and videos, and will also examine in person items used by people with disabilities, such as tactile paving.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Reference materials and lecture handouts will be distributed.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Comment and Group discussion: 60%.
Report or exam: 40%.
Related courses
- LAH.H102 ： Art A
- LAH.H202 ： Arts B, Esthetics B
- LAH.H302 ： Arts C, Esthetics C
- LAH.H113 ： Studies of Culture and Representation A
- LAH.H215 ： Studies of Culture and Representation B
- LAH.H314 ： Studies of Culture and Representation C
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge or experience related to disability is required.
Other
Although the “Language” field is listed as “Japanese,” the course will in practice be conducted in Japanese Sign Language. A sign language interpreter will interpret the content into spoken Japanese, and Japanese text will also be provided through typing as needed. This note is included here because the language selection is limited to either Japanese or English.