Module Descriptors
PSYCHIATRY AND SOCIETY
SOCY60269
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 6
15 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK -ESSAY weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
3,000 written essay drawing on research on secondary clinical data and sociological perspectives
Module Indicative Content
This module will enable you to examine Sociological aspects of some of the problems associated with psychiatric nosology and epidemiology.
We will examine some of the difficulties associated with establishing standardised criteria for diagnosis. Studies concerned with high rates of such diagnosis among some of Britain's ethnic minorities will receive particular attention.
The evidence regarding affective disorders, such as depression and bi-polar disorder, will be appraised in the light of known sociological patterns of distribution.
Debates around treatment, such as drugs, ECT and psycho-surgery will be discussed in the light of the evidence base.
We will assess contentious diagnoses such as eating disorders, M.E. & post-traumatic stress disorder in the light of sociological and historical evidence.
Personality disorders will be scrutinised in the light of proposed changes to mental health legislation. The problematic nature of the diagnosis will be examined in the light of sociological studies around medicine and social control.
We will examine some of the difficulties associated with establishing standardised criteria for diagnosis. Studies concerned with high rates of such diagnosis among some of Britain's ethnic minorities will receive particular attention.
The evidence regarding affective disorders, such as depression and bi-polar disorder, will be appraised in the light of known sociological patterns of distribution.
Debates around treatment, such as drugs, ECT and psycho-surgery will be discussed in the light of the evidence base.
We will assess contentious diagnoses such as eating disorders, M.E. & post-traumatic stress disorder in the light of sociological and historical evidence.
Personality disorders will be scrutinised in the light of proposed changes to mental health legislation. The problematic nature of the diagnosis will be examined in the light of sociological studies around medicine and social control.
Module Texts
Clare, A. (1980) Psychiatry in Dissent: controversial issues in thought and practice, Tavistock, London.
Gelder et al (2001) The Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry, OUP, Oxford.
Pilgrim, D., (1999) A Sociology of Mental Health and Illness, OU Press, Milton Keynes.
Busfield J. (ed.) (2001) Rethinking the Sociology of Mental Health, Blackwell, Oxford.
Gelder et al (2001) The Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry, OUP, Oxford.
Pilgrim, D., (1999) A Sociology of Mental Health and Illness, OU Press, Milton Keynes.
Busfield J. (ed.) (2001) Rethinking the Sociology of Mental Health, Blackwell, Oxford.
Module Resources
The library, module handbook, appropriate texts and computing facilities including the internet and e-mail. Rooms will also be suitable for disabled students and be equipped with video playback facilities.
Module Learning Strategies
Students will have weekly whole group lectures and part group seminars. Seminars will support learning by giving students the opportunity to discuss concepts raised in lectures in more detail. Students will also be able, through discussion, support the development of study and other key skills. Time will also be given to supporting students to complete their assignment by encouraging them to seek individual tutorial guidance.