The module will introduce students to social science and sociological theories and concepts. Students will explore the application of these theories and approaches to public health, and in so doing they will develop their in-depth critical understanding of health and illness. The sessions will be led by active health researchers who will discuss how they have employed theoretical thinking in their own health-related research. Students will have the chance to explore a public health problem of their choice and apply different sociological theories to the problem in order to develop their understanding of the issue.
Lectures will be delivered via 12 weekly seminar sessions which will involve a lecture element, in-class discussions and in-class group work. Students are expected to do self-directed learning (SDL) and will be expected to prepare for the contact sessions in advance using materials and readings which will be placed on the VLE one week before each session. Students will need to do the reading and any activities prior to the session and the sessions will then be used to consolidate this learning.
For the assessment of this module students need to carry out a critical analysis of a public health problem from the perspective of a social science theory or concept of their choice.