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CS92PROD
The Sociology of Medicine
SISP 262
Spring 2014 not offered
Crosslisting: SOC 259

Why do we trust our doctors? Is it because of the knowledge they possess, the demeanor they cultivate, the places in which they work, or the institutions they represent? This course is an introduction to social studies of health and illness. We will explore how different forms of medical authority are encouraged or undermined through the efforts of big organizations (such as drug companies, insurance providers, governments, and professional associations) and the routines of everyday life (such as visits to the doctor's office and health advocacy efforts). We will also consider how inequalities and biases might be built into medical knowledge and institutions and examine what happens when citizens 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 does not require science training.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS SISP
Course Format: Lecture / DiscussionGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (HRAD-MN)(SOC)(STS)

Last Updated on MAR-28-2024
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