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CS92PROD
The Sociology of Medicine
SISP 262
Fall 2009
Section: 01  
Crosslisting: SOC 259

Why do we trust our doctors? Is it beause of the knowledge they possess, the demeanor they cultivate, the places in which they work, or the institutions they represent? This course examines when and why people believe medical knowledge and health care professionals on matters of health and illness. We will consider, for example, how big organizations (such as drug companies, insurance systems, governments, and professional associations) can encourage or undermine medical authority. We will also explore how inequalities and biases might be built into medical knowledge and institutions, and examine what happens when everyday people question medical authority through social movements. The readings will focus on modern western medicine, but we will also read several historical and cross-national studies for comparison. The course is an introduction to social studies of medicine, and does not require science training.

Essential Capabilities: None
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS SISP
Course Format: Lecture / DiscussionGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: SOC151 OR SOC152
Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (HRAD-MN)(SOC)
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available

Last Updated on APR-19-2024
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