Society, Culture and Health unit (HGA138)

Online

Introduction

HGA138: Society Culture and Health explores the ways in which social and cultural factors and power relations shape the distribution of health and illness and experiences of health and illness in contemporary Australia. The unit will help you to develop critical thinking skills and provide an understanding of the role of social and cultural factors in health and illness related issues such as health inequality, wellness, alternative medicine, chronic illness and cosmetic surgery.

Summary

Unit name	Society, Culture and Health
Unit code	HGA138
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator	Doctor Emily Hansen
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Spring	31/10/2027	15/11/2027	1/12/2027	1/1/2028

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and describe key characteristics of a sociological perspective on health and illness
• Demonstrate knowledge of the social and cultural dimensions of health and illness as experienced by individuals and groups in Australian society;
• Critically analyse contemporary health care issues
• Communicate your knowledge of sociology of health and illness in written form.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

HGA135 AND HGE138

Teaching

Assessment	Quiz (20%)|Essay (40%)|Take home exam (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	All readings are provided within mylo.
Recommended	See mylo site for details.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.