Social Determinants of Health

Subject POPH90205 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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: 24 hrs: One two hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website.

Coordinator

Prof Anne Kavanagh

Contact

Centre for Women's Health, Gender and Society
Melbourne School of Population Health
Tel: +61 3 8344 0717
Email: a.kavanagh@unimelb.edu.au

OR

Academic Programs Office
Melbourne School of Population Health
Tel: +61 3 8344 9339
Fax: +61 3 8344 0824
Email: sph-gradinfo@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject will provide an overview of the Australian and international empirical evidence (quantitative and qualitative) on the ways in which social, economic and cultural processes contribute to population health. Students will be introduced to conceptual frameworks for understanding the social determinants of health. The subject will examine relationships between health and gender, poverty, socio-economic position, housing, employment and working conditions, race/ethnicity, discrimination and place.
Objectives: At the completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to:
  • Assess the key social and economic determinants of health
  • Analyse the ways in which the multiple social and economic determinants intersect to shape health
  • Describe models of the social determinants of health
  • Interpret the empirical evidence on the key social, economic and cultural processes that influence health
  • Critically analyse the relationship between health and gender, poverty, socio-economic position, employment and working conditions, race/ethnicity, discrimination and place
Assessment: During semester students will work in groups to prepare on a one hour presentation (on a topic related to the final assignment) which will be given at the end of semester (20%). One essay due mid-semester, 1000 words (20%). One essay due in the assessment period, 3000 words (60%)
Prescribed Texts: Selected readings will be available.
Recommended Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Upon completion of this subject a student should be able to:
  • Critically analyse relevant empirical studies and conceptual literature.
  • Demonstrate advanced written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrate advanced skills in critical reading.

Related Course(s): Master of Health Social Sciences
Master of Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Social Sciences
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Gender && Women's Health
Social Health

Download PDF version.