96704 Social Perspectives in Public Health
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
Social science concepts and perspectives are essential for understanding health issues and the responses to them as individuals and as a society. This subject examines different theoretical perspectives to explore the human experience of illness and the social structuring of health and disease. The impact of wider social processes upon the health of individuals and social groups is also examined, including processes that produce social inequalities, professional relationships, knowledge and power, and consumption and risk. Students investigate contemporary issues to explore how the social determinants of health can inform the complex challenges of technological, economic and social change in communities and societies.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Define key concepts in health inequalities |
|---|---|
| B. | Critically appraise research findings relevant to social determinants and health inequalities |
| C. | Evaluate explanations for socially determined health inequalities in relation to selected public health issues |
| D. | Examine the impact of social norms and behaviour on access to health services, care and information and health policy and practice examples in health care in a range of Australian Indigenous, national and global settings |
| E. | Apply theoretical perspectives on health inequalities to policy options for public health |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Demonstrate reflective critical thinking to enable critical appraisal of current practice, policy and research with the aim to enhance health care and health care outcomes, and transform health (1.0)
- Are socially, culturally and ethically accountable when engaging with individuals, families, interdisciplinary teams, communities, organisations and jurisdictions (3.0)
- Embody the international standard of professional qualities appropriate to the scope of their role in regional, national and global health (5.0)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1. Demonstrate reflective critical thinking to enable critical appraisal of current practice, policy and research with the aim to enhance health care and health care outcomes, and transform health
3. Are socially, culturally and ethically accountable when engaging with individuals, families, interdisciplinary teams, communities, organisations and jurisdictions)
5. Embody the international standard of professional qualities appropriate to the scope of their role in regional, national and global health
Teaching and learning strategies
In this subject students will participate in a range of teaching and learning strategies that are designed to develop knowledge and critical thinking in social perspectives of public health. On-campus class room activities will include lectures, small group collaboration, briefings and round table activities, field activities, simulated role plays and small group discussions and problem solving. On-line activities are supported by online preparatory work and follow-up activities including podcasts, multimedia resources and selected readings. Feedback will be provided during on line and in class discussions.
Content (topics)
Topic 1: Social Determinants of Public Health
- Social and cultural factors that impact and mediate health and well-being, illness, disease and health-seeking/health care utilisation
- The biomedical model and social approaches to health issues in the community
- Theoretical perspectives on health inequalities
Topic 2: Examination of social perspectives to contemporary public health research
- Non-communicable disease
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Maternal health
- Alcohol and other drugs
- Global health issues
- Indigenous health
Topic 3: The role of policy in addressing the social determinants of health
- Policy levels for tackling health inequalities
- Healthy public policy in action
- Presenting decision makers with policy options
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Identifying social determinants of health in populations
| Intent: | To identify specific Indigenous sub-populations and underlying psycho-social, medical, and political determinants that influence their health. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): C, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0 and 3.0 |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | 1,000 words maximum |
Assessment task 2: YouTube presentation for journal club contribution
| Intent: | Students will examine the social determinants of health in the peer reviewed literature to identify evidence for health inequity. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | 5-10 minutes |
Assessment task 3: Policy options paper
| Intent: | Students will explore a current public health issue, examine policy options to address the issue and key implementation considerations. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): C, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0 and 3.0 |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 2,500 words |
References
Blas, E. & Kurup, A.S. (2010). Equity, social determinants and public health programmes. World Health Organization.
Berkman, L.F., Kawachi, I. & Glymour, M.M. (2014). Social epidemiology. Oxford University Press.
Coreil, J. (2010). Social and behavioural foundations of public health. SAGE.
Germov, J. (ed.) (2019). Second opinion: an introduction to health sociology. Oxford University Press.
Levy, B.S. & Sidel, V.W. (2019). Social injustice and public health. Oxford University Press.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.
HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.
The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
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