07234 - Social Studies in Health

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will acquire knowledge of the theoretical foundations of the sociological approach to health and wellbeing and will understand the debate on the definitions of the concept of "health". Furthermore, the student will be able to: apply these theoretical foundations to health contexts; critically analyse the communication style adopted by health professionals and develop critical analysis skills on social and health issues.

Course contents

This course aims to provide the student with the central notions of the field of sociology of health. Starting from the reflection on how our society is now affected by a steady process of medicalisation, the student will have the opportunity to approach the issues of "disease", "medicine" and "health" going beyond the purely biological, technical, political or managerial point of view. The theme of health will also be examined as regards the social dimension considering three main lines: institutions, professionals and diseases.

Readings/Bibliography

Carricaburu D. and Ménoret M., Sociologia della salute, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2007 (excluding chapters 2 and 8).

Slides presented and discussed during the lessons are available on Virtuale.

Teaching methods

Face-to-face lessons and meetings with health professionals. During the course, students are strongly encouraged to debate the topics discussed.

Assessment methods

The exam is administered in exclusively written form and consists in open-ended questions.

The only valid mark is the one achieved in the most recent attempt to pass the exam.

Candidates who pass the exam can refuse the final mark (thus requesting to re-take the exam) only once, in accordance with the university's teaching regulations.
After having rejected a passing mark, any other subsequent passing mark will be recorded definitively in candidates' transcripts.

 

The final grade is assigned based on the following criteria:

• Knowledge of a very limited number of topics covered in the course, with analytical skills emerging only occasionally, and overall correct use of language: grade 18–19;

• Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course, with the ability to perform independent analysis only on simple, purely deductive issues, and correct use of language: grade 20–24;

• Knowledge of a wide range of topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices in critical analysis, and mastery of specific terminology: grade 25–29;

• Substantially comprehensive knowledge of the topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices in critical analysis and connections, full mastery of specific terminology, and capacity for argumentation and self-reflection: grade 30–30L.

 

Teaching tools

Slide available on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Debora Mantovani