Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School: Exercise and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Health in Society

• Unit Code

  HST1122

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

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Description

The aim of this unit is to analyse the social context of health and health promotion. The unit is designed to introduce students to an understanding of the social and cultural factors which influence health and health behaviour. Sociological concepts and theories will be studied to provide frameworks for the analysis of health in society.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded HST1113, HST1183, HST2213

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply sociological theories and concepts to the study of health beliefs and behaviour.
2. Apply theoretical perspectives to the study of the social context of health promotion.
3. Communicate sociological ideas and concepts relating to health inequalities.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of social change and its application to changing models of health care and health promotion.
5. Identify significant social, political and economic influences on health in Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups in Australia.

Unit Content

1. Demography and health.
2. Discovering the social context of health through research.
3. Ethnicity, society and health.
4. Family, society and health.
5. Gender, society and health.
6. Indigenous health.
7. Media and health.
8. Perspectives on society and health.
9. Social class and health.
10. Socialisation.
11. The social determinants of health.
12. The social gradient.
13. Work, leisure and health.

Additional Learning Experience Information

On-Campus Lectures, audiovisual materials, small group activities and discussions. In-class and online quizzes are included to encourage student participation. Off-Campus E-learning course work and activities provided through MyECU and supported by a tutor. Online access to activities, quizzes and audiovisual materials. This unit draws students attention to factors which influence health and contribute to health inequalities within and between population groups. Students are encouraged to consider how individual health behaviours are influenced by the broader determinants of health, such as income, social class, gender and ethnicity. Local and international case studies and relevant research provide opportunities for students to question common assumptions about health and social disadvantage, particularly in relation to minority populations such as Indigenous groups and people from non-English speaking backgrounds. Cross-cultural awareness is further fostered through guest presentations from industry representatives. Students critically appraise media representations of health issues, and develop an understanding of how social structures contribute to health inequalities. Unit content heightens students' appreciation of the need to acknowledge the social determinants of health in order to promote sustainable improvements in health. The holistic insights to health which students gain in this unit provide a valuable background for future study across a range of health science majors.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Germov, J. (2009). Second opinion: An introduction to health sociology (4th ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.
• Annandale, E., & Hunt, K. (Ed.). (1999). Gender inequalities in health. Milton Keynes: Open University.
• Willis, K., & Elmer, S. (2007). Society, culture and health: An introduction to sociology for nurses. South Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.
• Siegrist, J., & Marmot, M. (2006). Social inequalities in health: New evidence and policy implications. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Petersen, A., & Waddell, C. (Eds.). (1998). Health matters: A sociology of illness, prevention and care. St. Leonards, Australia: Allen & Unwin.
• Najman, J.M., & Western, J.S. (Eds.). (2000). A sociology of Australian society (3rd ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Macmillan.
• McMurray, A., & Clendon, J. (2011). Community health and wellness: Primary health care in practice (4th ed.). Chatswood, Australia: Elsevier Australia.
• Marmot, M., & Wilkinson, R.G. (1999). Social determinants of health. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Macbeth, H., & Shetty, P. (2001). Health and ethnicity. New York: Taylor & Francis.
• Keleher, H., & MacDougall, C. (Eds). (2009). Understanding health: A determinants approach (2nd ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.
• Hofrichter, R., & Bhatia, R. (Eds). (2010). Tackling health inequities through public health practice: Theory to action. (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
• Helman, C. (2007). Culture, health & illness (5th ed.). London: Hodder Arnold.
• Grbich, C. (2004). Health in Australia: Sociological concepts and issues (3rd ed.). Frenchs Forest, Australia: Pearson Education Australia.
• Barry, A., & Yuill, C. (2008). Understanding the sociology of health: An introduction (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
• Bird, C.E., & Rieker, P.P. (2008). Gender and health [electronic resource]: The effects of constrained choices and social policies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Cockerham, W. (2007). Social causes of health and disease. Cambridge: Polity.

Journal References

• Media Information Australia
• Journal of Sociology
• Journal of Health and Social Behavior
• Health Sociology Review
• Health and Place
• Women and Health
• British Journal of Sociology
• American Journal of Sociology
• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Social Science and Medicine
• New Doctor
• The European Journal of Health Economics

^ Mandatory reference

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