Sociology of Health and Illness SOCI 1232M

Abstract

This course provides an overview of sociology of health and illness, a special sub-field of sociology commonly referred to as medical sociology. Although living healthy and having decent medical care and treatment is the most basic and desirable of human needs, there exists a series of inequalities, conflicting interests, and complexities relating to health. The major course objective is to gain sociological knowledge and understanding of these complexities that could ultimately help make meaningful and appropriate improvements in our approaches to health, illness and to the current health care system.__ We will first seek to understand basic concepts in sociology of health and illness, and explore how existing social structures influence the meanings of health and illness as well as the experiences. We will also look into the profession of medicine and health care system as we consider some alternatives. Special attention is given to the construction of health inequalities throughout the course as they pertain to people in various social locations based on race/ethnicity, class, sex and so forth. __Student Learning Outcomes__ Upon a successful completion of the course, students will 1) have a basic sociological understanding of various health issues in society as social environments affect them 2) demonstrate the ability to apply relevant concepts and theories to specific topic areas in health. 3) demonstrate the ability to critically assess health issues beyond individualistic interpretations of behaviors and further connect them to the larger social context and possible solutions.