RPPH 7308 Health Improvement and Social Change

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module you will be able to,

1.Explore, analyse and evaluate a range of factors contributing to social change
2.Review, compare and evaluate health improvement strategies within a changing social environment
3.Explain and critically analyse the relationship between social conditions, social trends, culture and patterns of health and illness.
4.Interpret and evaluate the influence of national and international factors on UK health and social policy
5.Select, combine, interpret and present information from a variety of sources; including survey data and biographical studies and explain its relationship to public health and health improvement activities.

Indicative Module Content

The module will explore how social changes impact upon public health and how these changes are reflected in health improvement strategies. This will include: demographic change, migration, changing work patterns, transport, communication, new technologies, media, culture and political culture, families and households, social problems and policy responses.

Assessment

Biographical Study (50%)

This assignment explores social changes and their influence on health by combining information gathered through biographical conversations with volunteers and analysis of demographic, epidemiological and other sources of published research.

Health Improvement Proposal (50%)

You will submit a proposal for a targeted health improvement intervention with a defined population group in a named locality.

Introduction

This module introduces you to the broad concepts and debates within health improvement and examines the changing social and cultural context in which they arise. The module provides an introduction to topics and perspectives that will be developed throughout your post graduate studies in Public health and Social Change or International Health.

Aims

During the module you will examine and interpret health and social data from a range of sources, as well as exploring life histories and personal biography as a contributory factor in health decisions. Through your studies you will gain an understanding of the transitory nature of society, the importance of the cultural, social economic and political factors that inform health improvement activities. Underpinning this module is the emphasis placed on the importance of socio-cultural diversification in contemporary society and you are expected to take into account differing cultural perspectives on health.

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