Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2011 - 2012

Module Title	Introduction to Sociology of Health & Illness
Module Code	NS113
School	School of Nursing and Human Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Mel Duffy	Office Number	H237
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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.

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Interactive lecture series
Directed learning	5	Socialisation - concept development and its apllication to nursing
Independent Study	10	learning how to source material
Directed learning	2	A seen examination paper
Directed learning	10	Labelling & stigma - application to branches
Directed learning	10	Culture & ethnicity - role in health care
Directed learning	10	Gender - mascuilinity/feminity role in health
Directed learning	10	Sexuality amd health
Directed learning	10	Social institution - upack how they influence health
Independent Study	5	identifying quality of articles and relevance
Independent Study	5	learning how to retrieve materila
Independent Study	20	preparation for examination
Independent Study	4	reflective practices
Total Workload: 125

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

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.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Duffy, Mel (compilation text): 2006, Introduction to Sociology of Health & Illness, 1846581605
Barry, A. & Yuill, C: 2003, Understanding Health: A Sociological Introduction, SAGE,
Wren, MaevAnn: 2003, Unhealthy State: Anatomy of a Sick Society, New Island,
Tovey H & Share P: 2003, A Sociology of Ireland, Gill & Macmillan,
White, K: 2002, An Introduction to the Sociology of Health and Illness, SAGE,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BNCG	BSc in Children's & General Nursing
BNGN	BSc in Nursing (General)
BNID	BSc in Nursing (Intellectual Disability)
BNPY	BSc in Nursing (Mental Health)

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