hi

To-Do Date: Feb 25 at 9:00am

There is no lecture for this module, nor a reading quiz (or notes due). The only thing you are responsible for this module, is to read the book, Nothing About Us Without Us, and to complete the first writing assignment.  Note:  this book is theoretically dense at times, and at other times more straightforward about people's stories -- so leave yourself significant time to get through it.  As you read the book, think about themes from the course, such as:

1. why is this an important slogan from the Disability Rights movement? 
2. what is the nature of "disability oppression"? (hint: remember the social model.) and, what theory/evidence does the author use to explain it?
3. has a "disability consciousness" emerged around the world?  why would you argue yes or no?  are there organizations, structures, or institutions that have emerged in the last 25 years or so that challenge the oppression of disabled people?  have they been successful?
4. how do the concepts of empowerment, human rights, independence, and self-help/self-determination been used by people and organizations that have taken up the cause of disability rights?
5. how is it that people with widely different bodies and who come from very different cultural backgrounds can experience similar kinds of oppression?
   
   Here is the essay prompt that I will ask you to write about, for your essay: 
   Which do you believe is the most influential force that shapes the day to day lives of people with disabilities around the globe: a) social and cultural beliefs/assumptions, b) political and economic conditions, or c) one’s body and it’s physical abilities/limitations? And, why do you believe this?  (Be sure to cite evidence from the book, not just your own opinion.)
   
   Your essay about the book should be a minimum of two pages (with a maximum of one inch margins and max of 12 point font.) You do NOT need to do other research to write this essay.... but you do need to convince the reader that you read the book and understood the main concepts presented.  These will be reviewed anonymously, so please do not put your name anywhere on/in your essay.   Essays are due Feb 25th.

Remember this is a peer-reviewed assignment, and therefore must be completed on time.  More information about the writing assignments, and how the peer-review will work can be found here.

Here is the rubric others will use to evaluate your work….  Sometimes it helps people to see how you will be evaluated, and if so, please use the rubric this way.  

Lastly, if students need assistance with writing in general, please utilize the writing center on campus at: https://www.montclair.edu/policies/academic/procedures/writing-center/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.