MCCCD Official Course Competencies:

SOC270  1996 Fall – 2009 Spring

The Sociology of Health and Illness

1.

Identify an appropriate sociological approach to the study of health, illness, and healthcare institutions. (I)

2.

Define the universal characteristics of healthcare institutions and/or systems. (I)

3.

Describe the social statuses associated with healthcare systems and institutions and describe the social roles associated with these statuses. (II)

4.

Describe the relationship between culture and healthcare beliefs and modalities using cross-cultural examples. (II)

5.

Compare, and contrast various healthcare and prevention modalities used in various cultures. (IV)

6.

Explain the history, current status, and future trends in healthcare delivery and medical technology in the U.S. (III)

MCCCD Official Course Outline:

SOC270  1996 Fall – 2009 Spring

The Sociology of Health and Illness

I. Introduction

A. Defining 'health status' as a social phenomenon.

B. Identify the sociological variables influencing health status.

C. Define and describe the 'mainstream'/'allopathic' model of healthcare and compare it with the 'alternative'/'holistic' model.

II. Healthcare Systems and Institutions

A. The fee for Service Healthcare System (U.S. Model)

B. Nationalized Healthcare System (Canadian Model)

C. Alternative Healthcare System (China)

D. Education and Training of Practitioners

E. Problems facing the U.S. Healthcare System

III. Institutionalization of Medicine

A. Flexner Report

B. The 19th Century 'Marriage' of Science and Medicine

C. Medicalization

IV. Healthcare and Prevention Modalities

A. Drugs

B. Surgery

C. Exercise (ex. aerobics, weight lifting, Yoga, Chi Kung, meditation)

D. Homeopathy

E. Herbology

F. Chiropractics

G. Acupuncture/Acupressure

H. Others

V. Other Selected Topics