Asian Health and Development

Subject 110-499 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 6 hours per week for 4 weeks
Total Time Commitment: 24 contact hours/week Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to a coursework Masters program or permission of the subject coordinator.
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

Contact

Nadine Blair
Phone: 40160
Subject Overview: Utilising approaches from anthropology, development studies and public health, this subject aims to introduce current ideas, issues and responses to health and development in the region. Students do not need any clinical training to complete this subject. It begins with a critical look at the premises beneath health and development in Asia and the history of colonial interventions in health. A series of case studies of health issues introduces some of the major health and development issues affecting the region and a critical assessment of responses to them. Topics covered in the course include urbanisation and health, work and health, the effects of war and displaced populations, HIV/AIDS, water and development, population and development, indigenous health knowledge and emerging issues such as medical tourism. Responses to these issues from the government and non-governmental sectors will be examined. These case studies provide opportunities to explore the importance of political economy in the experience of health by a population, the stratification of health along the lines of gender, ethnicity and class, and the translation of international health initiatives into local health care delivery.
Objectives:
  • Understand the significance of political, social and economic change upon health in the region
  • Appreciate the ways in which gender, ethnicity and class impact upon health and development
  • Recognise the major health issues impacting upon Asian development
  • Understand the importance of indigenous knowledge within pluralistic Asian medical systems
  • Be familiar with a range of government and civil society responses to health and development issues in the region.
Assessment: A READING notebook/scrapbook of 2000 words 40% (due mid-semester) following workshops and a 3000 word essay 60% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts:
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Exercise critical thinking skills to evaluate and synthesise research and professional literature
  • Have a capacity to articulate their views and findings in oral and written presentations
  • Develop team work skills through participation in group discussions and exercises
Notes: Previously available as 110-587. Students who have completed 110-587 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Master of Arts (Asian Societies)
Master of Arts (Science, Communication and Society)
Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development)

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