Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is concerned with the social and cultural dimensions of health and illness and how they relate to health status and patterns of behaviour. It introduces you to thinking about health from sociological and anthropological perspectives, drawing on relevant concepts and theory to examine selected public health issues. Identifying and addressing social and cultural factors that shape people's experiences of health, illness and health systems are integral parts of public health practice in terms of reducing health inequalities, delivering appropriate services and ultimately improving population health outcomes.

Aims

The unit aims to:
1. provide you with an introduction to theory and concepts in health sociology, philosophy, and anthropology;
2. develop your skills in their application to public health issues; and
3. challenge you to think critically and reflectively about culture, health, and society

Objectives

Upon successfully completing this unit, you should be able to:
1. discuss contributions of sociology and anthropology to public health practice;
2. analyse a public health issue from a sociological/anthropological perspective;
3. identify and discuss patterns of health inequality in current Australian society with reference to social structures;
4. demonstrate understanding of the cultural contexts of disease risk and outcomes; and
5. discuss the relationship between culture and health.

Content

Major topics include: foundations and origins of health sociology; sociological, anthropological and philosophical perspectives on public health; cultural safety and cultural confidence; food and nutrition; body modification; pain; death and dying in different cultural perspectives; and social patterns of health inequalities.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode. You will be engaged in lectures, tutorials, and self-directed learning. Each tutorial will be supported by set readings and a series of guided questions which you will be expected to consider prior to the tutorial.

Assessment

General assessment information
There are three assessments to be completed throughout the semester.Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. You will be provided with feedback on each assessment item as you progress through the unit.
Students will be assessed on their tutorial attendance and participation for 10% of their overall grade.

Assessment name: Ubiquitous Learning Matrix
Description: You are required to complete a written critique on topics provided
Relates to objectives: 1,2,4,5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description: Assessment name: Group Panel on Public Health Issue in the Media

Description: You are required to collaborate to produce an oral presentation on topics provided.
Relates to objectives: 4,5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Weeks 10-12

Assessment name: ICT Reflective Geo-Diaries
Description: Assessment item type: Cultural Analysis (online reflective/analytical diaries)
You are required to locate and describe a cultural/health artefact and analyse it using social theory and public health research findings. These will be posted on a collaborative website.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set textbook. Selected readings will be made available via your unit's online learning page (Blackboard) and the Course Material Database.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 15-Nov-2012