Course overview
This course seeks to develop understanding of the social foundations of health and the ways in which frameworks and theories can be used to guide thought and action to improve health. The course is divided into three modules, each with a different focus. The first module draws out the historical, cultural and structural dimensions of contemporary health problems (using the framework of the sociological imagination) and develops critical thinking about possibilities for change. The second module concerns the social determinants of Indigenous health. A third module considers social and behaviour change, from both theoretical and practical perspectives. This course is designed to include face-to-face attendance; however, options to participate online are available for students unable to attend in person, with permission of the course coordinator.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the sociological imagination framework and explain how it is relevant to contemporary health problems
- Analyse health problems using the sociological imagination framework
- Critically appraise the strengths and limitations of the framework to guide initiatives to improve health
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the WHO social determinants of health framework
- Demonstrate an understanding of the historical positioning of Indigenous people in Australian society
- Identify the key social determinants affecting the health of Indigenous people in Australia
- Reflect on the insights provided by the WHO framework as well as its possible limitations
- Describe the major approaches to social and behavioural change
- Apply social and behavioural change theories to contemporary health issues
- Critique theoretical and practical approaches to social and behavioural change