Unit name | Sociology of Health and Illness |
---|---|
Unit code | SOCI20035 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Professor. Saffron Karlsen |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The unit provides an introduction to the conceptual tools and theoretical models necessary for understanding the social production of health and illness. These are contrasted with the nature and role of medical knowledge and its application in treatment. The unit examines social, economic and political explanations of illness and the importance of social divisions such as class, gender and ethnicity in both local and global contexts. Drawing on international research and on case studies, it analyzes the significance of culture in understanding experiences and perceptions of health and illness. The unit provides a basis for further study of this field in year 3 and also engagement with a substantive area which applies core concepts in sociology.
Aims of the Unit:
On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:
1hr lecture and 2hr seminar.
Formative: 1500 word essay or equivalent (for both level 5 and level 6) This will address learning outcomes 1 and 2.
Summative: 3000 word essay (for both level 5 and level 6)
This will address learning outcomes 1-3.