Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module will introduce the nursing student to Sociological concepts and theories. It will explore how culture, social and economic characterises of people's environments influences their experience of health and illness. It will develop a sociological awareness which will assist nurses to use sociology to ask appropriate questions and consider relevant factors in their care of the patient/client. This module will enable the student to gain an understanding of the social changes taking place in society - from family structures and belief systems to the influences of technologies and social institutions on both the patients/clients experience whether able or dis-abled bodied of health and illness as well as the nurses’ ability to care in a changing environment. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the major theoretical approaches and concepts in sociology 2. Discuss the relevance of sociology to the study of health and illness 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the socialisation process both in society and nursing 4. Identify theoretical approaches to the sociological debates of health and illness 5. Illustrate an understanding of how family, religion, culture, sexuality and gender influences an individual's or groups comprehension of health and illness in a changing Ireland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Socialisation Explore the effects of the socialisation process by investigating the norms, values and belief systems of society. How we go from child to adult - from lay person to professional - how we become a patient Gender and health Investigate whethert it matters being a woman or man in relation to health. The effects of mascuilinity or feminity. Social Institutions Discuss how the main institutions - family - education - religion can influence our health Social Class & Inequality Main theories of class. Develop an understanding of how class and inequality can shape our understanding of health and illness Culture & Ethnicity Examine how culture and/or etnicity can shape our understanding of health and illness. Explore our understanding of who why people become ill. Sexuality and health Describe how a person's sexuality is an influential factor in your health. Labelling and Stigma Discuss how our physical, psychological or our social difference affects our health status. Be aware of how technologies can influence our sense of self. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles:
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||