Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

The unit explores global and local health challenges that are at the forefront of Australia's health sector. Students will critically examine the construction of contemporary health challenges including: the implications of global inequalities in health and health problems arising from war and terrorism and political violence such as the refugee crisis.

Objectives

1. discuss in depth some key contemporary health challenges, such as HIV/AIDS, demonstrating awareness of multiple perspectives, including the ways in which different health professions approach the issues (and the strengths and weaknesses of these varied approaches) and exploring how integrated approaches to addressing the issues may be mounted across disciplines;
2. demonstrate an in-depth understanding of global determinants of health;
3. consider the common and specific factors involved in the construction of various contemporary health challenges as being of 'high priority' with an understanding of the role that evidence and other factors, including the media, play in this process;
4. demonstrate the complex interplay of political, economic, legal and socio-cultural frameworks in shaping contemporary health challenges and how they are responded to;
5. identify and discuss the implications of ideology, values and power bases in determining our understanding (and prioritising) of contemporary public health challenges;
6. explore specific case studies of contemporary health challenges (global or local) and critically reflect on current strategies and approaches to responding to them.

Assessment

Individual journal: 25%
Group presentation: 25%
Individual research essay: 50%
Hurdle requirement: 80% attendance at tutorials.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Charles Livingstone

Contact hours

One 3 hour seminar/workshop

Prerequisites

Any one of: HSC1031, HSC1041, HSC1081, HSC2022, HSC2042, or BMS1042 or equivalent