SOC 413 - Medical Sociology

Units: 4 ; Breadth Area: Social Justice
The roles of culture and social structure in mediating the health and illness experiences of individuals and groups. Topics include the social construction of illness, the relationships between patients and health professionals, and the organization of medical work.

Equivalent Quarter Course: SOC 4720.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground, or Entirely Online, or Hybrid.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: Overlay - Social Justice
Course Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

With its focus on understanding various theories of health and illness, students will be able to read and analyze sociological research and, thus, be able to critically examine the veracity of knowledge claims by mastering critical reading.
Through the writing assignments, students will be able to effectively communicate in writing, as well as engage in educated, open-minded discussions on the connections between diverse norms, practices and opportunities on the one hand, and health and illness on the other.
With the course focus on socio-economic impacts on health and illness, this course helps students understand social diversity with the ability to read and critically analyze health impacts to populations subordinated by race/ethnicity, social class, gender and sexuality.
With the course focus on health policy in the United States and abroad, students will recognize the importance of sustainability by acquiring knowledge of local, national and global policies and practices.

Social Justice Overlay Learning Outcomes

use a disciplinary perspective to analyze issues of social justice and equity;
describe the challenges to achieving social justice; and
identify ways in which individuals and/or groups can contribute to social justice within local communities, nations, or the world.