Sociology of Health and Illness

Catalog description

The sociology of health and illness is a broad field covering a range of substantive and empirical issues, including (but not limited to): the social production of health, illness, morbidity and mortality; inequalities in health, illness, and disease; medicalization; the experience of illness and the sick role; and the organization and delivery of health care. While we cannot cover everything, this course is designed to give students an overview of central topics and key debates in the field, with particular emphasis on the social, structural, political, economic, and cultural forces shaping the production of health and illness. Though the course will focus predominately in the U.S. context, we will also integrate global and comparative perspectives whenever possible. The course will emphasize active discussion, cooperative learning, and continuous improvement.