Elective course – Discrimination, oppressiona and power relations 3200-M1-4PFM
The aim of the course is to deepen students' understanding of the mechanisms of power over human bodies, with particular focus on the situation of Deaf individuals. The classes concentrate on analyzing the phenomena of biopower and biopolitics—concepts introduced by Michel Foucault—in relation to Deaf communities both in Poland and in an international context.
During the course, students will explore historical and contemporary forms of control and influence over Deaf bodies and identities, including oralism, institutionalization, medicalization of deafness, and mechanisms of sign language appropriation. Special emphasis will be placed on issues related to linguistic and cultural appropriation, such as the use of sign language for commercial, educational, or representational purposes without genuinely including the voice of the Deaf community.
Students will also analyze processes of social advancement and marginalization of Deaf individuals, including structural barriers that hinder equal participation in social, political, and professional life. The course will also cover examples of resistance, activism, and emancipatory strategies undertaken by Deaf people and their allies.
Student Workload:
• Classes: 30 hours (1 ECTS)
• Independent preparation: 30 hours (1 ECTS)
• Preparation for the final test: 20 hours (1 ECTS)
Total: 80 hours (3 ECTS)
Course Format:
If it is not possible to hold classes in person, they will be conducted using remote communication tools, most likely Google Meet and other platforms recommended by the University of Warsaw.
The course is conducted within the “Integrated Teaching & Learning Development Programme – ZIP 2.0”, which is co-financed by the European Social Fund – the European Funds for Social Development Programme 2021–2027 (FERS) (contract no.: FERS.01.05-IP.08-0365/23-00).
Type of course
obligatory courses
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE:
The student:
● has knowledge of the mechanisms of biopower and biopolitics (K_W08)
● has knowledge of issues affecting the Deaf community in the context of biopower and biopolitics (K_W12)
● understands the causes of conflicts within the Deaf community (K_W12)
● knows and understands the concept of linguistic and cultural appropriation in the context of Deaf identity (K_W02)
SKILLS:
The student:
● can identify the difference between biopower and biopolitics (K_U02)
● can explain how linguistic and cultural appropriation of the Deaf operate (K_U01)
● can collaborate with the Deaf community using the knowledge acquired (K_U11)
● can consciously and ethically engage in activities supporting the Deaf community (K_U11)
SOCIAL COMPETENCES:
The student:
● understands the significance of cultural and linguistic appropriation (K_K01)
● is aware that biopower can also operate in everyday, personal life (K_K01)
● is aware of the social relevance of the knowledge they possess an knows how to develop it (K_K05)
Assessment criteria
Ongoing Assessment Based On:
• Attendance (maximum of 2 absences; if this limit is exceeded, the student must individually arrange with the instructor how to make up for the missed classes),
• Active participation in class,
• Preparation for class based on assigned readings.
Grading Scale for the Final Test:
• 99%–100% – 5! (Excellent Plus)
• 98%–91% – 5 (Excellent)
• 90%–86% – 4.5 (Very Good)
• 85%–76% – 4 (Good)
• 75%–71% – 3.5 (Satisfactory Plus)
• 70%–60% – 3 (Satisfactory)
• Below 60% – 2 (Fail / No Pass)
Breakdown of 100% Grade Components:
• 50% – Individual interview as the final test
• 40% – Active participation in class discussions
• 10% – Completion of homework assignments
Retake Policy:
The retake (make-up) assessment is conducted under the same conditions and in the same format as the initial assessment.
Attendance Requirements:
Students are required to attend all classes. A maximum of two unexcused absences is allowed for the 30 contact hours of the course.
If a student exceeds two unexcused absences, they must contact the instructor to arrange how to make up the missed content.
Unexcused absence from 50% or more of the classes results in a failing grade for the course.
Bibliography
Adamiec, T., Głuchoniemi i świadectwa ich życia od starożytności do końca XVIII wieku – przegląd problematyki [w:] Świdziński M., Gałkowski T., (red.) Studia nad kompetencją językową i komunikacją niesłyszących, Warszawa: Uniwersytet Warszawski: Wydział Polonistyki, Wydział Psychologii, Polski Komitet Audiofonologii, Instytut Głuchoniemych im. ks. Jakuba Falkowskiego, 2003.
Davis L. J., Ustanawianie normy. Niepełnosprawność, głuchota i ciało, przeł. M. Zdrodowska, Warszawa 2022.
Derrida J., Głos i fenomen, przeł. B. Banasiak, Warszawa 1997.
Garland-Thomson R., Gapienie się, czyli o tym, jak patrzymy i jak pokazujemy siebie innym, tłum. z ang. K. Ojrzyńska, Warszawa, 2020.
Goffman E., Piętno. Rozważania o zranionej tożsamości, Gdańsk 2005.
Mulvey L., Do utraty wzroku. Wybór tekstów, Kraków 2010.
Lane H., Maska dobroczynności: deprecjacja społeczności głuchych, Warszawa, 1996.
Mackiewicz W., Ciało i polityczność. Koncepcja cielesności w filozofii Michela Foucaulta, Kraków, 2018.
Robinson O., Puppets, Jesters, Memes, and Benevolence Porn: The Spectacle of Access, [w:] Przegląd Kulturoznawczy, red. A. Nacher, Kraków 2022.
Sacks O., Zobaczyć głos. Podróż do świata ciszy, tłum. z ang. A. Małaczyński, Poznań, 1998.
Taylor S., Bydlęce brzemię. Wyzwolenie osób z niepełnosprawnością i zwierząt, tłum. z ang. K. Makaruk,Warszawa, 2021.
Young S., I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much, TEDx, 2017.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: