SOC3260 Sociology of Mental Health

This course will examine the topics of mental health and mental illness through a sociological lens. Topics include the idea of the social construction of mental health and illness, the influence of labeling theory, and perspectives on stigma. Attention is paid to the influence of social status characteristics on diagnosis, treatment, and social response with specific emphasis on issues of equity and inequality within the mental health care system. This class will include analysis of portrayals of mental illness in popular culture; music, art, poetry, and drama.

Credits

4 sh

Course Types

Society, Advanced Studies

Offered

• Fall
• Spring

Learning Outcomes

1. 1. To examine definitions of mental illness and take a life-course approach to understanding developmental trajectories and aspects of mental health and mental illness.
2. 2. To explore the influence of social status characteristics on diagnosis, treatment, and social response to mental illness according to gender, age, race, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation.
3. 3. To examine the influence of social institutions in shaping definitions of mental health and mental illness.
4. 4. To explore both historical and current societal response to mental illness with specific attention to cultural differences in these responses.
5. 5. To evaluate the implications of mental illness for individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.