The Big Bang Theory: Mad Geniuses and the Freak Show of Higher Education

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Wendy Harbour

Keywords

disability, higher education, television

Abstract

This essay discusses the television comedy series The Big Bang Theory.  Through lead characters including physicist Sheldon Cooper, the series portrays higher education as a metaphorical freak show, and academics as geeky mad genius freaks.  Implications for constructions of disability in higher education are discussed, with recommendations for future research.

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