SOC 317 - Sociology of Health

Course unit(s): 1
Meets GAR: Meets general academic requirements SL and DE.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology .
In this course we will explore the social aspects of health, illness, and the health care system in the contemporary United States. This will include an introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of medical sociology and health disparities as well as examinations of the social and historical construction of medical problems and disease, the relationship between health care providers and patients, the health care system, and pressures that are transforming the medical sciences. This seminar provides a survey of a number of topics related to health, illness, and the health care system. Students will have the opportunity during the semester to delve more deeply into an issue of special interest or importance to them.