HSO-10806 Introduction to Health and Society

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

In this introductory course relevant principles of health and society will be addressed. The course starts with a reflection on health and the determinants of health with a focus on factors in the physical and social environment and lifestyle. Next, we elaborate on causes and consequences of demographic, social, and economic health differences, using an interdisciplinary perspective (psychology, sociology, epidemiology). Specific attention is paid to the interaction between societal developments and health and ethical considerations. In the final part of the course we address the health system in the Netherlands, including health policies regarding care, cure and prevention, and the organisation of formal and informal health care in the Netherlands.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course the student is expected to:
- have an understanding of the concepts within the field of health and society, and of factors that positively or negatively influence health;
- have insight in the demographic-, social-, and economic inequalities in health;
- critically reflect on the interaction between societal developments and trends in health;
- have insight in the health system in the Netherlands;
- be able to use the Wageningen digital environment;
- be able to acquire and assess information by using Wageningen Desktop Library;
- be able to apply the rules for writing a paper.

Activities:

- lectures;
- group discussions;
- literature study;
- group assignments.

Examination:

Written examination at the end of the course.

Literature:

Mackenbach, J.P. & Van der Maas, P.J. (2008). Volksgezondheid en gezondheidszorg. Vierde druk, Maarssen: Elseviers gezondheidszorg (ISBN 9789035229525);
Additional literature to be announced.