Health Studies: Introduction to Psychology, Philosophy and Sociology of Health

 

expand this section  Expand All

close this section  Collapse All

 
Main Description show detail >>
 
 
 
Department: Health & Leisure Studies Module Code: HLTH71005
Level: Level 7 Contact Hours: 48
Duration: 1 Semester Directed Study Hours: 42
Effective Term: 2014/15 Indep. Study Hours: 10
Credits: 5

Prerequisite Knowledge:

  Health Studies: Concepts, Health Studies: Lifestyle Programmes

Module Description/Aims:

  In this module students are introduced to important contributions to our present understanding of Health and Wellness from the disciplines of Psychology, Philosophy and Sociology. Treatment of the subject matter in each instance begins with coverage of the 'big ideas' in each discipline generally, which is followed by selected content from the Health Psychology and Health Sociology sub-disciplines. Important philosophical issues, especially to those about the nature, extent and significance of leisure's relationship to health and wellbeing are examined and finally with coverage of material from all areas with a focus on positive well-being. Applications of content to leisure, physical recreation, physical education, physical activity, APA, exercise and fitness are an integral part of the module. The goal of the module is that students will understand; the historical and conceptual development of ideas that have led to the current positive strengths based, well-being approaches, evidenced in the emergence of positive psychology and the sociology of well-being. The potential opportunities, that these developments offer, for the re-conceptualization, operationalization and re-orientation of theoretical models and practical applications for physical activity, exercise, fitness and sports programming delivery are discussed.  


 
Contact Hours show detail >>
   
 
Contact Type Hours
Lecture3 Per Week
Practical/Workshop1 Per Week


 
Learning Outcomes show detail >>
   
 
On successful completion of the module, the learner will be able to:
No. Description/Learning Outcomes
1Give an historical and conceptual overview of important applications of the social sciences (psychology, sociology, social-psychology) within the health and wellness field.
2Describe the role, scope and significance of philosophy and philosophical analysis in advancing our understanding of the health / wellness and leisure relationship
3Specify the conditions which have recently led to the emergence of positive 'strengths' based approaches to wellbeing in the social sciences.
4Appreciate the potential significance of this paradigm shift in health understanding to the leisure, PE, APA, sport, exercise and fitness areas.
5Use a variety of social science survey instruments devised to operationalize key construct indicators of psychological and social well-being
6Read, summarize effectively and deliver a presentation on a topic from the philosophy/social science / health-wellness literature.


 
Learning Strategies show detail >>
   
 
Learning Strategies
The student will engage with the content of the module through a mixture of lecture, independent examination of research, reflective practice exercises, topic focused seminars (student presentations and discussion).


 
Indicative Syllabus Content show detail >>
   
 
Content Detail
Theory• Psychological approaches to health and disease within general psychology and health psychology
• Theories of health behaviour, stress, personality and health, social support and health
• Positive psychology, psychological well-being and strengths based approaches
• Approaches, models and instruments for the assessment of psychological well-being dimensions
• The nature of sociology as a discipline
• Sociological approaches to health and disease
• Health, social order, structure and change.
• Social stratification and inequality in a health context
• Social health models, indices and measures
• Social support, social adjustment and social capital concepts
• Social well-being, flourishing, models and measures.
• The research agenda to examine the role of leisure, PA, PE in contributing to psychosocial well-being (strengths approaches)
•Mind-Body Dualism
•The history, role and importance of philosophy as a discipline
•Philosophical argument and the 'Socratic' method of thinking
Practical•Application of models and interventions for well-being enhancement through leisure, PA, PE, etc..
• Delivering a presentation on a topic from the philosophical or social-psychological health literature.


 
Assessment Strategies show detail >>
   
Assessment Strategies
A written report and presentation to the seminar group, including associated documentary materials, on a specialist topic from the field followed by a discussion forum.


 
Indicative Assessments show detail >>
   
Learning Outcome Assessment Category Assessment Method Additional Information % alloc
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6Continuous AssessmentPresentationStudent presentation of specialist in-depth topic, including a written report. 50
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6Final Exam (Scheduled)Final Written ExamFinal written exam50


 
Reading List show detail >>
   
 
Type ISBN Title Author Publisher Year Edition Library Link
Recommended9781405151726Sociology of Health & Health Care
Taylor & Fields (eds)
Blackwell		2007-
Recommended1439190763Flourishing
Seligman, M.
Atria Books		2012-
Recommended0471451568Health Psychology
Sanderson, C.A.
Wiley		2004-
Recommended0195052161What Does It All Mean?
Nagel, T.
Oxford University Press		1987-
Essential9780736001417Practical Philosophy of Sport and Physical Activity
Kretchmar, R.S.
Human Kinetics		2005-


 
Journals and Websites show detail >>
   
 
Type Description
Websitewww.authentichappiness.com
JournalJournal of Health Psychology
JournalJournal of Health and Social Behaviour
background image

Curricular information is subject to change