Health and Development

Subject 121-462 (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 has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 1-hour seminar each week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
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

Dr Hans Baer

Contact

Dr Hans Baer

hbaer@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject examines the relationship between health and political economic development in the world system, particularly in developing countries. It draws upon medical anthropology and health sociology in addressing issues such as the social origins of disease and suffering and health-related problems associated with development and underdevelopment; including AIDS and other infectious diseases, global climate change, and access to health care, both in terms of national health care systems and a medical pluralism. It examines the impact of various international organizations, such as the UN, WHO, World Bank, the WTO, and the pharmaceutical industry as well that of grass-roots groups, such as NGOs, health movements, and traditional healers upon global health conditions. Finally, the subject considers social structural and socio-cultural changes that would be needed to create an equitable and healthy world system.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject should
  • Understand the impact of political-economic development upon health and health care delivery within both developed and developing societies and various social classes, ethnic minorities, genders, and other groupings within these societies.
  • Understand the nature of strategies emanating from both the macro-level, such as the WHO, the World Bank, and governments, and the micro-level, such as NGOs, health movements, and traditional healers to address health problems and provide access to health care.
  • Present reasoned and well-supported arguments concerning particular issues of contemporary significance relating to health within the world system.
  • Critically analyse the relationship between health and development from a range of sources in written assignments, while also developing skills in writing, critical analysis, research, and the use of library and internet for information retrieval.
Assessment: A 2000 word paper worth 40% (due at end of week 6), a 2500 word research paper 50% (due one week after the end of week 12), and two 250-word abstracts of two assigned readings to be discussed in class 10%.
Prescribed Texts:
Recommended Texts: Lee, K, ed. 2003. Health Impacts of Globalization: towards global governance. New York: MacMillan Palgrave, and a subject reader.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
Students who successfully complete this subject should
  • be able to engage in independent research for essay preparation using a variety of media;.
  • exercise critical judgment in written assignments and group discussion.
  • acquire research skills.
Notes: Previously available as 121-549 Health and Development. Students who have completed 121-549 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development)
Master of Development Studies(CWT)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts(Development Studies)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Development Studies
Development Studies
Development Studies

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