Social pathways in global health and health promotion, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The aim of the course is to enable students to use a social science (sociological) perspective in critical assessment of global public health and health promotion. The focus is on how social theories can help in understanding individual experiences of illness, as well as in the design and evaluation of interventions for health promotion and disease prevention. The interplay between individual experiences of illness and structural power relation and their influence on global public health is central. The course includes social theories applicable on both individual-, group-, and structural levels. Theories focusing on health behaviour, stigma and emotions, body and identity, social capital, and modernity and globalization are some examples of perspectives that are presented and discussed during the course.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to: - Describe and understand key concepts of the presented theories - Apply appropriate social science concepts, models or theories to public health problems focussing on social pathways in health and health promotion. - Evaluate and discuss scientific publications related to social pathways in health and health promotion.

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. 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, group discussions, and home-assignments. Teaching is given in English. Reading and discussing the content of the course books and other course material are essential both during and between the course weeks.

Examination modes

The examination has three parts; 1) Compulsory group works 2) 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 group works and the presentation of home assignments. Over all 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

A start-of-study respite 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. 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 transfer is always reviewed individually according to the University’s set of rules and academic credit transfer regulations.