Sociology of Medicine ((3))

Catalog description

This course examines how the institution of medicine is embedded in larger society. In particular, we will examine the rise of the professionalization of medicine and medical technology and how this change has impacted health care. When addressing the medicalization of society, we will pay close attention to the relationship between medicine and socio-demographic characteristics like gender, social, class, race/ethnicity, and age. Although we will touch on the role of medicine and health care globally, our focus will primarily by on the American health care system and the debates and theoretical issues surrounding its reform. In order to provide students the opportunity to apply course material in their personal lives, this course will involve an applied experiences requirement.