Introduction to Literary Disability Studies in America:An Interview with Michael Bérubé

Michael Bérubé(born 1961)is Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Literature at the Pennsylvania State University,where he teaches American literature,disability studies,and cultural studies.He is the author of ten books on cultural studies,disability rights,liberal and conservative politics,and debates in higher education.The best known books are Life as Jamie Knows It:An Exceptional Child Grows Up;The Secret Life of Stories:From Don Quixote to Harry Potter;How Understanding Intellectual Disability Transforms the Way We Read;The Humanities,Higher Education,and Academic Freedom:Three Necessary Arguments;Rhetorical Occasions:Essays on Humans and the Humanities,and Life as We Know It:A Father,a Family,and an Exceptional Child.This interview took place on August 28,2018.Professor Bérubécommented on the issues of disability studies,literary disability studies in America,identities of disabled groups,and intersectionality.He not only discussed the definition of the terms and disability studies,but also explored the relationship between disability studies and literary studies.He predicted the brilliant future of literary disability studies in the context of globalization and welcomed Chinese scholars in this meaningful research about disability,justice,and humanity.