Course overview
This course seeks to develop an 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 draws out the historical, cultural, and structural dimensions of contemporary health problems using the framework of the sociological imagination. Students will explore the social determinants of Indigenous health. Finally, the course will consider social and behaviour change from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Students will develop their critical thinking and analytical skills to understand conversations around health and health outcomes.
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