Topics in Sociological Analysis (376-0-21)

Topic

Sociology of Autism

Instructors

David Schieber
1810 Chicago Avenue
Office Hours: By Appointment

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 301: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

"Sociology of Autism"

Over the past 50 years, there have been enormous changes in how academic researchers understand autism. Since autism is a neurological difference with social difficulties as a major attribute, it is important for sociologists (in addition to psychologists) to be able to speak clearly about what autism is and what the embodied experience of living with autism is like. What is autism? Why are conversation surrounding autism so contentious? If autism has always existed, who had it and in what communities can we find it? How do sensory and emotional differences translate into social difficulties through social interaction? Sociology can help us get at these questions.

More so, as the diagnostic boundaries for autism have expanded, so has our understanding that anyone can be autistic. Throughout this class we will spend time thinking about autism at it's intersections. Why was autism blamed for decades on "refrigerator moms?" What does it mean for a woman to have a "resting bitch face?" Why are police interactions with Black autistic kids so deadly? Once we look at autism through an intersectional lens, we can get closer to answering questions like these in a meaningful way.

Broadly speaking, this course serves as a starting point to use the strengths of sociological theory and analysis to think through current academic debates and understandings surrounding autism.

Class Materials (Required)

All materials for this course will be made available on Canvas - no purchase necessary.

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration is reserved for Sociology Majors and Minors.