Courses & Units
Sociology of Health and Illness HGA339
Introduction
This unit applies a critical sociological perspective to health, illness and medicine. Each year the unit will use topical examples to explore expert and public knowledges about health and illness, the social distribution and patterning of health and illness, inequalities in health, experiences of health and illness, the health professions and the politics of health care. Recent examples include vaccination, breastfeeding, alternative medicine, wellness influencers, professionalisation among allied health practitioners and political debates about private health insurance.
This unit is highly relevant for students interested in social research or work in sociology, social work, health and social policy related areas. The unit objectives are: (1) to familiarise students with key health related sociological theories and empirical research; (2) to introduce students to contemporary sociological debates about health and illness; and (3) to develop the skills of critical sociological analysis as applied to health and illness.
Summary
| Unit name | Sociology of Health and Illness |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HGA339 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Arts, Law and Education School of Social Sciences |
| Discipline | Sociology and Criminology |
| Coordinator | Doctor Emily Hansen |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 1 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 20/2/2023 | 21/3/2023 | 10/4/2023 | 28/5/2023 |
* 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 2023 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2023 will be available from the 1st October 2022. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain key concepts, debates and theoretical approaches relating to the sociology of health and illness.
- Apply relevant sociological theories and empirical research findings when discussing contemporary health and illness issues.
- Articulate your own position on key debates about health and illness.
- Communicate your ideas in written forms, using appropriate sociological language and concepts.
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 069999 | $1,037.00 | $1,037.00 | not applicable | $2,522.00 |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Prerequisites
25 credit points at Introductory level or higher or admission into A1C - Diploma of Creative Arts and HealthTeaching
| Teaching Pattern | On Campus: |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Take Home Exam (30%)|Short Report (20%)|Essay (40%)|Online Multiple Choice Quiz (10%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.