Health in Contemporary Society (8695.4)

Availability

Unit Outlines

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• Semester 1, 2016, ON-CAMPUS, BRUCE (154089) - View
• Semester 1, 2015, ON-CAMPUS, BRUCE (146277) - View

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Availability

This unit is no longer offered. Information may be available for Units in the following years:

• Version 1 - Start Date: 01/01/2011 End Date: 03/11/2011
• Version 2 - Start Date: 01/01/2012 End Date: 31/12/2012
• Version 3 - Start Date: 01/01/2013 End Date: 31/12/2017
• Version 4 - Start Date: 01/01/2018 End Date: 01/01/2018

Syllabus

This unit explores health from a socio-cultural perspective. It examines the history and meaning of health in relation to its role in contemporary society and the role that social and cultural values play in developing health at both individual and population levels. The social determinants of health and the wellbeing continuum are used as cornerstones for understanding and addressing health issues. Patterns and trends in Australia's health relevant to current national and global health priorities (particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes, physical activity, asthma, nutrition, and cancer) are discussed as is the role of Health Promotion and Health Education. Particular focus is given to health equity issues and the new paradigm for Public Health. Sociocultural influences on those most vulnerable in society will be discussed in relation to health priority areas.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Appreciate socio-cultural approaches to understanding health issues;

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of health and wellbeing, health equity and equality;

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of health and wellbeing at both an individual level and population level;

4. Utilise health literacy skills (including both qualitative and quantitative data);

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the patterns and trends in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, physical activity, asthma, nutrition and cancer; and

6. Demonstrate an understanding of Health Promotion, Health Education and Public Health; and explore social and cultural understandings of Health.

Contact Hours

3 hours per week.

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Assumed Knowledge

None.

Equivalent Units

None.