Social Theory for Public Health and Medicine, part 2, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course is an advancement in social perspectives on health and ill-health in the population. Deepening understandings of the interplay between individual experience of illness and structural power relations is in focus. The course contains theories about the role of health care organisation in health promotion as well as power relations in the medical encounter. The following social theories are deepened during the course; Symbolic interactionism, the phenomenology of health, the sociology of the body, health behavioural theory, sense of coherence, social capital, profession theory, modernity and globalisation.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to - Analyse different public health problems with concept and models based in social theory - Critically appraise scientific publications within the field of medical sociology - Apply social theory in an independent home exam using the interplay between individual and society as a central analytical category.

Required Knowledge

For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which a minimum of 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences. To be admitted to the course the applicant must have taken 3FH025 Social Theory in Health and Medicine, part 1, or have other competence equivalent to that course. 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 home 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 Attendence 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-attendence 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.