Click to show Site menu [+]

SOCA3178

Health, Illness and Society

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Available in 2012

OurimbahSemester 1

Previously offered in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006

This course provides a sociological analysis of health and illness in contemporary western industrialised societies. The main focus is on the range of social inequalities which determine health status and access to health care. The role of class, gender, 'race', ethnicity, age, and work will be explored in relation to the broad distribution of health and illness.

Objectives
On successful completion of this course students should be able to demonstrate:
1. Discuss the social context of health and illness.
2. Recall the key theories, concepts and perspectives used in the sociology of health and illness.
3. Relate health outcomes and class, gender, 'race', ethnicity and work.
4. An ability to critically analyse health issues beyond the biomedical paradigm.
5. Skills in writing academic essays, tutorial presentations and evaluating different arguments and approaches in the study of health and illness.
Content
Topics include:
- The Social Context of Health and Illness.
- Capitalism, Industrialism and Health.
- Health and Social Inequality: Class, 'Race', Gender, Ethnicity, and Work.
- Indigenous Australians and Health Inequalities.
- Access to the health care system and health resources.
- Medical Dominance and the Medicalisation of Social Life
Replacing Course(s)
This course is replacing SOCA2190 and HUMA3170.
Transition
Students who have completed SOCA2190 and HUMA3170 should not enrol in this course.
Industrial Experience
0
Assumed Knowledge
40 units of study at 1000 level.
Modes of Delivery
Internal Mode
Teaching Methods
Seminar
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
Minor Essay based on seminar presentation (1,500 words) due one week after presentation - 20%

Major Essay (2,500 words) due Week 10 - 60%
Other: (please specify)
Seminar Participation - 10%
Participation is assessed on students demonstrated evidence of class preparation each week. This includes having studied the prescribed readings and other allocated tasks. Participation also entails contribution to seminar discussion in a way which reflects the student's preparation and understanding of the topics.
Presentations - Individual
Seminar Presentation (one), due by arrangement across the semester - 10%
Contact Hours
Seminar: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Timetables

2012 Course Timetables for SOCA3178