Soc 225
Sociology of Health and Illness
Instructor: Dr. Yih-Jin (Jim) Young
Office and Office hours: Building G-388
Mon 11:00-12:15, Wed 9:30-10:45 am and by appointment
Office telephone: 516-572-9659
E-mail: youngy@sunynassau.edu
Webpage: http://www.sunynassau.edu/users/youngy
Introduction
The principle objective of this course is to acquaint you with the sociological study of
health and illness. The course will introduce you the sociological perspectives, theories,
and methods to the study of health and medical practice. Major topics to be covered
include: social causes and consequences of health and illness, social behavior of health
care practitioners and patients, the health care delivery system, social functions of health
organizations and institutions, and the relationship of health care delivery systems to
other systems.
Expected Student Outcome
At the end of the semester, students are expected to have:
1) an understanding of the sociological theory relevant to health and illness;
2) grasped the theoretical and methodological issues that underpin this special area;
3) the ability to conduct quantitative research on sociology of health and illness;
4) the skills to obtain health data from both the printed and internet resources.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The structure of teaching will include lectures, lab exercises, and videos.
Grading Policy: Grading will be based on the following:
Three exams (25% each) 75%
Group Project 15% (5% for oral presentation and 10% for written report)
Attendance and Participation 10%
Ten percent of your grade will be based on class participation and attendance. You will
lose 3% of your total grade for each missed class. You should come to class prepared to
discuss and evaluate the assigned readings. Missing 3 or more classes will result in a zero
for participation and ineligibility for bonus grades. A group of 2-4 students will complete
a quantitative research paper on a health-related topic. A written report (not to exceed 10
double space typed pages) is due on May 8, 2000. Each group will need to make an oral
presentation of their research project.
Course Materials
1. Reading materials:
1. Sociology of Health and Illness, Peter Conrad (eds), New York: St Martins, 1997.
2. Hands on Sociology: Using Computers To Learn About Society, (Revised and Enlarged Edition) by
William Feigelman, NY: Addison/Wesley/Longman, 1999.
Schedule of Topics
PART I THE SOCIAL PRODUCTION OF DISEASE AND ILLNESS
The Social Nature of Disease
Who Gets Sick? The Unequal Social Distribution of Disease
Our Sickening Social and Physical Environments
The Social and Cultural Meanings of Illness
The Experience of Illness
Exam 1
PART TWO THE SOCIAL ORGANIZATION OF MEDICAL CARE
Creating and Maintaining the Dominance of Medicine
The Social Organization of Medical Workers
Medical Industries
Financing Medical Care
Medicine in Practice
Dilemmas of Medical Technology
Exam 2
PART THREE CONTEMPORARY CRITICAL DEBATES
Individual Responsibility and Health
The Medicalization of American Society
Rationing Medical Care
PART FOUR TOWARD ALTERNATIVES IN HEALTH CARE
Community Initiatives
Comparative Health Policies
Prevention and Society
Exam 3