Mad People's History

This course is offered from the perspective of those who have been coined as mad, crazy or mentally ill. The importance of narrative expressions are reviewed in order to educate the student how Mad People`s encounters with unconventional thoughts and behaviors are viewed by society as odd, unusual or peculiar. Their personal experiences and challenges with stigma, stereotypes, prejudice, oppression, discrimination, and lack of inclusion are examined from the early history of abuse and institutionalization, to current societal beliefs. The impact of Mad People simultaneously living with individual psychological factors, which are perceived as out of the ordinary, and the general public`s misunderstandings are evaluated. The need to utilize personal stories to impact current and future perceptions, treatment and human dignity are explored.

Winter