During my seminary years, I read a lot (on my own time) about various topics in disability and theology. Some of my reading concerned the need to address disability issues in the seminary curriculum. I am completely in agreement with this. For a time, I considered pursuing a second Master’s degree in disability studies in order to give myself some expertise so that I might be able to contribute to this end. Over time, I realized that I have numerous things in my background that already give me that expertise. What I need is to step out and contribute.
Disability studies is, like other fields introduced in the seminary curriculum, a very broad field. I chose the word “introduced” quite deliberately; for nothing is covered completely. I took three courses in pastoral care, two courses in Christian education, a few other general ministry courses, two courses each in Old and New Testament, four semesters each of Greek and Hebrew… Courses were offered in various specialized topics (marriage counseling, grief, women in ministry…) It is possible to pursue numerous hours of advanced study in any of these fields.
Disability studies is no different. The challenge is to determine the best way to incorporate it into the seminary curriculum so that students come away with adequate understanding of issues facing people with disabilities and ability to address them in the particular setting of their ministry. Is the solution a specialized course on disability issues? Such a course would likely be an elective; and I suspect that an elective course on disability issues would be poorly attended. If using this format, what is the best way to increase awareness about the importance of taking the course?
Or is the answer the inclusion of disability-related content within the curricula of other disciplines? This would be an ideal way to ensure exposure for all students, assuming the chapters were not ignored or left for study at the last minute.
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