A computer with internet access.

The module is delivered on-line through a VLE . This virtual learning environment will be structured to take the student group through the module with each section of the course material assisting the student towards their discussion contributions and final essay. Key information about the module such as its aims and learning outcomes, is contained within the section on Course Information. The section, Course Documents, will contain the material written by the tutor which in effect take the place of lectures and which are designed to outline the main issues, explain key concepts and theories and promote thinking and discussion among the group. This section will contain all the material necessary to complete the module including links to other web-based documents and other sources of information.

Tutor and students will communicate through the discussion forums and via email and/or telephone if this is appropriate. Students are encouraged to communicate with the tutor for advice and support. They will have to engage in the discussion forums in order to complete the exercises.

For level 3 students there are additional guidance, tasks and exercises incorporated within the VLE teaching material. These are located in clearly defined sections.

The 30 contact hours for each student are spent on-line engaging with the study materials, communicating with the tutor and receiving feedback from the tutor.

The 120 independent study hours include regular contribution to the discussion forums and giving and receiving opinion to and from other students is also part of the contact time. It also includes engaging in the exercises and tasks within each section of the module, supplementary reading and preparation of the assessable assignments.

This module provides an overview of contemporary disability issues, including theories of disability and policy approaches. It seeks to develop students' knowledge of the experience and perspectives of disabled people, and the way these have influenced current theoretical and political debates in Disability Studies. The module covers overarching issues in disability policy, with reference to the relationship between policy and competing theoretical perspectives. This is illustrated with reference to anti-discrimination policy, employment, education and social care / independent living. The module also addresses the relevance of culture, identity and diversity within the Disability Movement and will include;

- Definitions and models of disability;
- Media representation of disabled people;
- The history of exclusion;
- Theorising and experiencing disability;
- Disabled people, `care' and caring.
- Disability policy - education, employment, anti-discrimination and independent living;
- The construction of `normalcy' - from impairment to diversity and positive identity;
- D/deafness, autism and culture;
- Disability politics, civil rights and the Disability Movement as a New Social Movement.
- Diversity within the Disability Movement;

70% - An essay of 2,500 words.
This will require students to meet all learning outcomes. 1 to 7.

30% of the final mark will be based on the student's contribution to an on-line discussion (500 words), which will assess learning outcomes 3 and 5.

In order to pass this module students must achieve a minimum of grade point 2 in the online seminar and an average grade point 4 overall

Formative Assessment.

The tutor will provide regular comment on-line as well as through emails on each student's understanding of concepts and knowledge and the quality of their communication of these. Formative assessment will also be provided through tutor participation in the on line forums and through tutor response to non-assessed tasks.

Barnes, C., Oliver, M. & Barton, L. (eds.) (2002) Disability Studies Today, Cambridge, Polity.
Shakespeare, T. (2006) Disability Rights and Wrongs, London, Routledge
Thomas, C. (2007) Sociologies of Disability and Illness: Contested Ideas in Disability Studies and Medical Sociology, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan