Living Longer: Global Perspectives

Subject 505-439 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Classroom

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2-hour seminar per week.
Total Time Commitment: Students should expect a total time commitment outside the stated contact hours of at least three hours for each hour of contact in this subject.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Centre for the Study of Health & Society
Subject Overview:

The course will study the history of health transitions from a global perspective, focussing on the factors historians have identified in bringing about the modern rise in life expectancy. The course is structured around the book by James C. Riley, Rising Life Expectancy: a global history (Cambridge University Press, 2001). After providing an overview of the health transition, it will examine in turn: the rise and impact of public health; the role of biomedicine; wealth, income and economic development; famine, malnutrition and diet; households and individuals; literacy and education. Studies will be made in turn of first, second, third and fourth world examples. Particular attention will be paid to controversies among historians and social scientists and the ideological conflicts that pervade debate over the health transition.

Assessment: Seminar Reading diary (400 level: 1500 words; 500 level 2000 words). Students will be expected to keep a diary of their reading of both the recommended historical and contemporary literature. Reviewed during semester, final version due at end of semester (30%).Research essay (400 level: 2500 words, 500 level: 3000 words) on one of the five case studies in the course, due at the end of semester (70%).
Prescribed Texts: James C Riley, Rising Life Expectancy: a global history, (Cambridge University Press, 2001). A printed set of readings will also be available for purchase.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Links to further information: http://www.sph.unimelb.edu.au
Notes:

This subject is a Group 1 elective in the Master of Public Health.

Subject Coordinator: Prof Janet McCalman 8344 9107

Related Course(s): Graduate Diploma in Social Health
Graduate Diploma in Social Health (Health Care History)
Graduate Diploma in Social Health (Health Ethics)
Graduate Diploma in Social Health (Medical Anthropology)

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