PUB HLTH 2500OUA - Social Foundations of Health

OUA - Trimester 2 - 2024

This course seeks to develop an understanding of the social foundations of health and the ways in which frameworks and theories can be used to guide thought and action to improve health. The course draws out the historical, cultural, and structural dimensions of contemporary health problems using the framework of the sociological imagination. Students will explore the social determinants of Indigenous health. Finally, the course will consider social and behaviour change from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Students will develop their critical thinking and analytical skills to understand conversations around health and health outcomes.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PUB HLTH 2500OUA
    Course Social Foundations of Health
    Coordinating Unit Public Health
    Term Trimester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s OUA
    Units 3
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange
    Restrictions Available only to University of Adelaide Open Universities Australia students
    Assessment Reflections, Sociological Imagination Essay, Health Campaign Analysis, Indigenous Health Initiative Case Study
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Brianna Morello

    Brianna Morello
    Email: brianna.morello@adelaide.edu.au 
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Describe the sociological imagination framework and explain how it is relevant to contemporary health problems
    2 Analyse health problems using the sociological imagination framework
    3 Critically appraise the strengths and limitations of the framework to guide initiatives to improve health
    4 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the WHO social determinants of health framework
    5 Demonstrate an understanding of the historical positioning of Indigenous people in Australian society
    6 Identify the key social determinants affecting the health of Indigenous people in Australia
    7 Reflect on the insights provided by the WHO framework as well as its possible limitations
    8 Describe the major approaches to social and behavioural change
    9 Apply social and behavioural change theories to contemporary health issues
    10 Critique theoretical and practical approaches to social and behavioural change
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-10

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1-10

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1-10

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    2-3, 6-7, 9-10

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1-10

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    4-7

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    8-10

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1-10
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Willis E. The sociological quest: an introduction to the study of social life. 5th edn. Sydney: Allen and Unwin; 2011.

    Other readings will also be available via MyUni.
    Recommended Resources
    N/A
    Online Learning
    This course is delivered online.

    Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or presentations).

    Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units. MyUni is the University of Adelaide's online learning environment. MyUni provides access to various features including announcements, course materials, discussion boards and assessments.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is delivered online.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The University expects full-time students (i.e. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote a total of 48 hours per week to their studies. This equates to approximately 12 hours per week per course. This time commitment includes doing the relevant readings, preparing for online tutorials, other on-line activities and assessment tasks.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Module 1: The sociological imagination framework in public health
    • An introduction to the sociological imagination framework of C Wright Mills
    • Detailed consideration of the historical, cultural, and structural origins of contemporary health problems
    • Application of the critical dimension of the framework to address health problems
    • Reflection on the insights provided by the framework as well as its limitations
    Module 2 : The social determinants of Indigenous health
    • A critical introduction to the World Health Organisation’s social determinants of health framework
    • An introduction to the data on the social determinants of health in Australia for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people
    • A detailed consideration of the history and the development of the social determinants of health for Indigenous people in Australia since the 1901 Commonwealth Constitution
    • Detailed consideration of factors that contribute, or are barriers, to resolving the impact that the social determinants have on the health of Indigenous people today
    Module 3 : Social and behavioural change in public health
    • An introduction to the key principles of social and behavioural change
    • An overview of commonly utilised models of behaviour change in public health
    • Consideration of contrasting modes of social change in public health, including both legislative/policy options and grassroots approaches
    • The relevance and application of theories of social and behavioural change to improving health
    • Reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to social and behavioural change
    Specific Course Requirements
    N/A
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting
    Reflections Summative 10%
    Sociological Imagination Essay Summative 30%
    Health Campaign Analysis Summative 30%
    Indigenous Health Initiative Case Study Summative 30%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    N/A
    Assessment Detail
    Details available on MyUni.
    Submission
    Details available on MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

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