Sociology 2760: Sociology of Health and Illness
Course Overview
This course explores the social dimensions of health, illness, and health care systems. Drawing on core concepts in sociology, we examine how health outcomes are shaped by social structures, cultural beliefs, and institutional practices. Students will engage with topics such as health disparities, medicalization, mental health, bioethics, and global health systems, with a strong emphasis on applying sociological theory to real-world health challenges.
Why Take This Course?
Health is more than biology—it’s deeply social. Whether you're interested in public or population health, medicine, health policy, or social problems, this course provides tools to understand and analyze how health and illness are experienced, defined, and treated across different populations. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how race, class, gender, culture, and geography intersect to shape health outcomes—and what can be done to improve them.
What You’ll Do
- Analyze case studies on topics like the opioid crisis, maternal mortality, and health care access.
- Participate in large and small group discussions about key concepts and applications.
- Collaborate on a semester-long community health project.
- Explore how health is portrayed in media and public discourse.
- Engage with guest speakers from health professions and advocacy organizations.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Apply sociological theories to understand health and illness.
- Identify and explain key social determinants of health.
- Critically evaluate health care systems and policies.
- Communicate sociological insights through writing, presentations, and collaborative projects.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for students in sociology, public health, pre-med, psychology, political science, and related fields. No prior coursework in sociology is required, though it may be helpful.