Medical Sociology

Catalog description

Interface between sociology and health-related issues. Analysis of macro, mezzo, and micro perspectives as they apply to health and illness. Examination of the social and cultural context in which health care in the United States is delivered, particularly in terms of racial and age disparities, as well as disparities in rural and urban healthcare settings. Objective and subjective experience of health and illness, political, economic and environmental issues, including engagement with ethical issues around end of life care, physician assisted suicide, health rights versus health privileges. Exposure to these areas takes place theoretically in class, as well as in real-world settings.