Why are health inequalities so persistent despite local, national, and global interventions? This course will examine this question sociologically, drawing on a range of perspectives on health, illness and medicine. The course explores the social, political, cultural and economic forces that shape contemporary experiences of health, introducing key concepts such as the social determinants of health, social practices, clinical encounters, biopolitics, risk and stigma. Importantly, we will take a reflective approach to knowledge, examining the different ways inequality is measured, understood and acted on. Indicative topics include: geopolitics and governance; communicable and non-communicable diseases; risky consumption; racialisation, sex/gender, disability and social class; and ageing and death.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- apply sociological concepts to analyse inequalities of health and disease;
- evaluate research on health inequalities, demonstrating understanding of different forms of knowledge;
- demonstrate a critical understanding of health inequalities; and
- produce a nuanced, sociological and evidence-based argument related to health inequalities.
Indicative Assessment
- Participation in weekly seminars (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Class presentation & faciliation on relevant text (500 word written component) (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Research project proposal (5 minute class presentation, 4-5 powerpoint slides) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research project (written paper or podcast) (5000 words or 20 minute podcast with 2,000 word script) (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research project reflection and rationale (500 words) (10) [LO 2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to-face component (either in-person or online): one 3-hour workshop per week
- Approximately 8 hours per week of self-directed study, including course readings and assignments.
Prescribed Texts
There is no prescribed text. Readings will be provided on canvas.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.