An exploration of topics such as the social sources of illness,
the social distribution of illness and health conditions, the
social meanings of illness, and the increasing use of medical
frameworks to understand and cope with what used to be
considered non-medical, everyday experiences.
Athena Title
Medical Sociology
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in SOCI 3100H
Prerequisite
SOCI 1101 or SOCI 1101E or SOCI 1101H or SOCI 2600 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will understand the role that sociological factors play in the definition and treatment of illness and disease.
By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate their mastery of the course content in written
work that is appropriate for an academic context.
By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate their mastery of the course content in speech
that is appropriate for an academic context.
By the end of this course, students will analyze and explore how the health and well-being of people are connected and interdependent in our social networks, communities, countries, and globally.
Topical Outline
An Introduction to Medical Sociology
Overview of Epidemiology
The Social Demography of Health: Social Class, Gender, Age, and Race
Health Behavior and the Theory of Health Lifestyles
Illness Behavior
The Sick Role and Medicalization
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
