Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2023 - 2024
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Description In this module, learners explore various arguments about health which orientates them to some key health issues subsequently encountered through their programme of study. Learners also focus upon the quality of health argumentation and how to judge the credibility of claims that are made about health matters. This contributes to their capacity for making scholarly arguments. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Identify the principal elements in a well formed argument about health. 2. Describe some essential claims that are commonly made in accounts of health: as a matter of well-being; medical provenance; luck and choice; or justice. 3. Discuss these claims by reference to the quality of supporting arguments in terms of evidence, reasoning and response to counter-arguments. 4. Explore the practical, moral, social and political implications of various essential health claims. 5. Make a reasoned health argument which is informed by evidence and takes account of alternative viewpoints. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Judging and making health argumentsThe elements of a well-formed argument are explored by reference to what counts as a justified claim about health. The role of doubt in scholarship is emphasised along with matters of supporting evidence, explicit reasoning, and taking account of alternative viewpoints.Health as a matter of well-beingThe idea of health as a state of "complete well-being" is considered in terms of the origins and value of this positive conception along with a noteable counter-argument that it is a "mirage."Health as the provenance of medicineThe benefits of medicine are examined in terms of the health of populations and in the light of criticisms which emphasise "medical iatrogenesis" and "narratives of suffering."Health from cosmic luck and personal choicesThe "givenness" of health status is explored along with arguments about its moral and social implications. This is compared with health accounts in which matters of personal choice and responsibility are emphasised.Health from justiceThe notion of inequality is examined along with ideas about the relations between social justice and health. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes |
AFU | Age Friendly University Programme |
BHS | Bachelor of Science in Health & Society |
- See the module specification for NS134 in 2003 - 2004
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- See the module specification for NS134 in 2006 - 2007
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- See the module specification for NS134 in 2023 - 2024
- See the module specification for the current year