Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives The objectives of the subject are to enable students to analyse health issues using a sociological perspective; understand how the patterns of illness are affected by social factors; develop and apply interpretive skills in using the media to identify and analyse health issues; understand the ways in which social and political forces shape the organisation of health care in Australia; explore variations in people's experience of illness and present a well constructed, written argument which meets the academic conventions of stating propositions, presenting evidence for them, considering alternative interpretations and forming conclusions.
Synopsis The subject provides an introduction to the sociology of health and illness. It examines (a) the social distribution and people's experience of health and illness, (b) the division of labour in health care and (c) the parts played by the state and medical profession in shaping the organisation of the health care system in Australia.
Assessment Assignments (1500 words): 30% + Assignment: (2000 words): 40% + Seminar presentation (1500 words): 30%