SOCA1200
10 units
1000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course will introduce students to the sociological study and understanding of health and illness, focusing predominantly on Australian society. The course will examine the causes, nature and consequences of major health inequalities, the ways that health and illness are experienced and given meaning, and the ways that health care is organised, used and experienced. Substantive topics may be drawn from a range of areas including the social distribution of health and illness; illness experiences; deviance and medicalisation; health and technology; comparative health care systems; the division of labour in the health workforce; ideologies of health, illness and inequality; complementary medicine; and health, politics and social change.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
Online
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of sociological approaches to the study of health and illness.
2. Identify sociological explanations for health inequalities, experiences of health/illness and the organisation of health care.
3. Apply sociological concepts to real-world examples of health outcomes , policies, experiences and debates.
4. Construct arguments in written and verbal form, based on the critical reading of health sociology literature.
Content
- Sociological approaches to the study and understanding of health and illness.
- The social production and distribution of health and illness in Australian society.
- The social construction of health and illness.
- The social organisation of health care.
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Essays/Written Assignments
Formal Examination: Formal Examination
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Group/Tutorial Exercises
Quiz: Online quiz
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s)
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 10 week(s)
Semester 1 - 2024 - Online
Lecture-1
- Online 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s)
Tutorial-1
- Online 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 10 week(s)
Course outline
- SOCA1200 - Semester 1, 2024 (Callaghan) (PDF, 371.3 KB)
- SOCA1200 - Semester 1, 2024 (Online) (PDF, 381.3 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.