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 historical developments in thinking about disease, health and health promotion. 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. We also discuss global health, infectious diseases and environmental health. Furthermore we address health systems in the Netherlands, including health policies regarding care, cure and prevention, and the organisation of formal and informal health care.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- describe the concept 'health' and different factors that positively or negatively influence health;
- interpret the distribution of health across the world and across different groups;
- critically reflect on the interaction between societal developments and trends in health;
- identify the scientific disciplines that are important to the field of health and society;
- search and consult scientific information through the Wageningen Desktop Library;
- critically read and assess scientific literature;
- apply the rule for scientific writing in a paper.

Activities:

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

Examination:

- group assignment (25%);
- written exam with open and closed questions (75%).

Literature:

Mackenbach, J.P., & Stronks, K. (2016). Volksgezondheid en gezondheidszorg (Achtste, herziene druk). Houten: Bohn Stafleu van Loghum.