Social Theory for Public Health and Medicine, part 1, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The aim of the course is to enable students to use a social science (sociological) perspective in critical assessment of public health and health care systems. It is closely connected to the sociological sub-discipline medical sociology and describes it’s development and main themes. Social theories on class, ethnicity and gender, of relevance for the understanding of health conditions on individual-, group and structural level, are presented and discussed. The focus is on theories of health as a societal phenomenon, such as stress-related ill -health, social cognitions and health, the social body and the role of emotions in health development. The course also presents and discusses functions and dys-functions of health care organisations such as the conflict between lay- and expert knowledge and power relations in the medical encounter.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to • Describe and understand key concepts of the presented social theories • Explain the basic theoretical perspectives within social studies of health and medicine • Apply appropriate social science concepts, models or theories to a relevant public health problem • Evaluate and discuss scientific publications in social studies of health and medicine

Required Knowledge

For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which at least 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences. a minimum of 30 ECT. English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic Training – minimum score 5.0 with no individual score below (4.5) (Tests taken before January 2005 not admissible) or TOEFL – minimum score 500 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE, Alternatively 173 on computer based test with iBT 61 is also required. Language test scores are not required if you have completed a minimum of two years of studies at an accredited university or college with English as the medium of instruction or you have had one year of graduate studies and have written your thesis in English. For more information please see: http://www8.umu.se/phmed/epidemi/utbildning/mph-requirements.htm

Form of instruction

The course is concentrated to two weeks during the course period. Teaching is performed through plenary lectures, group work, hand-on training and home assignments. Teaching is given in English.

Examination modes

The examination has two parts; 1) Presentation of home assignments and 3) a written exam. The written exam will award the following grades: Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. Only grades of Fail or Pass will be awarded for the presentation of home assignments. Overall grades for the course are: Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. In order to be awarded Pass for the entire course it is required that all of the examinations must be Passed. To be awarded Pass with distinction it is required that the written exam is awarded Pass with distinction.

Other regulations

Start-of-study respite A respite for the start of studies may be granted under special circumstances. Examples of such circumstances are illness, military service, pregnancy, care of children or other nursing responsibilities etc. A negative decision about start-of-study respite may be appealed to Överklagandenämnden för högskolan. Course roll call Attendance is compulsory for the course roll call. A student may be relieved from this obligation only through a decision by the course coordinator and only under special circumstances. Non-attendance without a valid reason may lead to the seat being given to another applicant. A decision about this is made by the course coordinator.

Academic credit transfers are always reviewed individually according to the University’s set of rules and academic credit transfer regulations.