SOC-30038: Medical Sociology

To introduce students to the field of medical sociology, and to its core traditions and concerns
To enable students to distinguish between sociological, historical, anthropological and biomedical approaches to health, illness and medicine
To enable students to place medical ideology and practice in socio-cultural, historical, and socio-political context
To familiarize students with relevant sociological research into medical ideology and practice; the interactional dynamics of medical encounters; and the experiences of illness and disability

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate a systematic understanding of core concepts in medical sociology
communicate in verbal and written form some of the core approaches and substantive areas within medical sociology, including sociological, anthropological, and historical approaches to medicine; illness behavior; doctor-patient interaction; and the illness experience
devise and sustain arguments, and/or solve problems, using ideas and approaches that characterize sociological approaches to medicine and to health and illness
describe and comment upon the distinctive approach to medicine and the illness experience that distinguishes medical sociology from other approaches to medicine and illness
demonstrate the ability to manage their own learning, and make use of scholarly reviews and refereed journal research articles
critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, and abstract concepts
frame appropriate questions to explore areas of concern to medical

Study hours

20 Hours Contact (10 Lectures / 10 Tutorials)
60 Lecture / Tutorial Preparation
70 Assessment Preparation
TOTAL 150 HOURS

Description of Module Assessment

01: Essay weighted 80%

4000 word essay
a choice of essay question from a list of 6

02: Exercise weighted 20%

discussion questions
Over the course of the semester, each student will post 4 discussion questions of their own design, referring to the readings assigned for that week, which will be used to structure tutorial discussion, onto WebCT, by the evening before the class session. Students will be given a total of 5 points for each question, based upon the question's use of class material and relevance to that week's topic. Marking criteria: relevance to week's topic: 2 points clarity: 1 point use of assigned reading materials: 2 points

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.