Sociology of Medicine

The course is designed to provide a broad overview of the sociology of medicine. Topics covered include, the nature and role of professional organisation in medicine; critical analyses of the medicalization and (bio)medicalization of society; social dynamics that shape experiences of health, illness and disease; micro and macro factors that influence the interactions between patients and medical professionals; patient organisations, health social movements and the shifting roles, identities and expertise of patients; the social impact of geneticisation, pharmaceuticalisation and cyborgisation for patients, professionals, and policy-making. The course will combine insights from sociological work on medicine, health, disease, and illness, and applied research and case studies on contemporary topics and controversies. Students will engage with and analyse a range of different materials from media representations of patients through to texts of doctor-patient interactions and health-related policy documentation and are encouraged to be reflexive and creative throughout   Credit level: 10 Year taken: Year 3 Undergraduate SCQF credits: 20