Health and Society offers an in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between social structures and health outcomes. This course introduces students to the field of medical sociology and social epidemiology, examining how cultural norms, social inequalities, and institutional arrangements shape health, illness, and healthcare delivery. Students will analyze the social determinants of health—including class, gender, age, and social networks—and investigate how these factors contribute to health disparities across populations.
Through critical discussion and empirical research, the course addresses key topics such as the social construction of health and illness, medicalization, mental health, health behaviors, stress, and global health systems. Students will also explore patient experiences, doctor-patient interactions, and the organization of health services in different cultural and policy contexts. By integrating theory with real-world examples, this course equips students with the analytical tools to understand health as a social phenomenon and to evaluate strategies for improving individual and population health.
- Teacher: Emma, Guo Ya