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The Sociology of Health and Illness
SOC262 SP

Crosslistings: SISP262

We have in this country a fee-for-service medical system organized to provide acute and curative care. At least since the late fifties --more than a quarter of a century ago--there has been widespread feeling that this system needed to be reformed. In this course we examine the historical development of our medical care system and critically discuss the array of problems that have given rise to the demand for change. In so doing we will contrast: 1) illness as an individual responsibility with illness as a social responsibility; 2) a fee-for-service system with national health insurance and/or a national health service plan; and 3) a delivery system which focuses on the detection and the control or the alleviation of disease with a broader conception of health and illness where the focus is on primary care and the prevention of disease. In sum, we will discuss a range of topical issues and address the potential implications for policy decisions.

MAJOR READINGS

Abraham, MAMA MIGHT BE BETTER OFF DEAD Marmor, UNDERSTANDING HEALTH CARE REFORM Todd, DOUBLE VISION James Jones, BAD BLOOD

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

A weekly reading journal, a class presentation, and two 10-page research essays OR one 15-20 page research paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

A prerequisite form, secured through the Registrar's Office, will be available for SISP majors and pre-med students. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS SOC    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: SOC151

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

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