This concentration addresses policies and issues of health and public welfare in the U.S. and abroad. Students develop an understanding of the social factors that create disparities in health and illness, health care delivery systems, and other social resources. Students interested in careers in health care, health policy, public health, nursing, and social work should consider this concentration. We strongly suggest that students in this concentration take SOC 221: Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System.
Course Requirements
- Two 200-level courses from the following list:
- Three 300-level courses from the following list:
- Two 300 level electives in Sociology, which may include those courses listed above.
- One additional 200 or 300 level elective in Sociology, which may include those courses listed above.
Open Electives
Open elective credit also is required to meet the minimum graduation requirement of 192 hours.
SOC 200
SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE
The nature of social work with a focus on the delivery of a variety of human services like health care and welfare; emphasis on professional-client relationships; examination of government agencies and voluntary associations.
SOC 221
INTRODUCTION TO THE U.S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Examination of occupations and organizations in the U.S. health care system. Topics include: quality, access, and cost of health services; occupations and organizations involved in delivering health care; financing of care through health insurance and government programs. Recommended gateway course for all students in Health and Health Services concentration.
SOC 223
SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH AND ILLNESS [FORMERLY SOC 350]
Examines how illness is related to sociological phenomena such as the social class of the patient or the organization of the health care delivery system. Formerly SOC 350.
SOC 235
ADOLESCENT HEALTH
Examination of social, political, geographic, and psychological forces affecting adolescent health in the U.S. Focus on occurrence, cause, and prevention of adolescent health risk behaviors, such as sexual behavior, violence, and substance use. Discussion of policy and community practice.
SOC 236
IMMIGRATION, HEALTH AND ILLNESS
Examines linkage of immigration to health and illness, including health status of immigrants, differences in health outcomes in the host country and countries of origin, occupational health and injury patterns, eating habits, healing practices, and access to health care. Includes fieldwork and review of research findings.
SOC 307
SOCIOLOGY OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE
Sociological perspectives on substance use and abuse, related high-risk behavior, drug traffic, community impact, and prevention and public policy.
SOC 321
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
The work of health and human service organizations is examined; the origins of these organizations, their goals and the problems inherent in attaining the goals, are considered.
SOC 323
THE SOCIAL WELFARE INSTITUTION
The evolution of social welfare as an urban institution and the creation of the welfare state are examined. An analysis of social welfare in the United States within the context of economic, political, social and philosophical developments.
SOC 326
AGING AND THE LIFE COURSE
A look at the changing age composition of the population; meaning and societal definition of aging, the different types of responses to growing older and the various social programs designed for older people. Introduction to life course theories.
SOC 351
HEALTH DISPARITIES
Examination of persistent health disparities in the U.S. and the influence of social settings on morbidity and mortality, as well as the impact of social class, gender, and race/ethnicity on disease and illness patterns and access to health care.
SOC 353
SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL ILLNESS
Examines the social history of, and societal reaction to, the mentally ill. Review of contemporary social perspectives on mental illness and social research on mental hospital institutionalization; the dynamics of the therapist-patient relationship.
SOC 365
HEALTH AND GLOBALIZATION
Comparative approach to understanding changes in health and illness patterns, diet and consumption, and access to health care associated with economic expansion, global inequalities, and changes in local economies, occupations and cultures. Case studies of selected non-industrialized countries.
SOC 370
PEOPLE, PLACES, AND FOOD
Exploration of community food resources and the relationship to chronic disease such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Qualitative methods focus on meanings of eating habits and how people secure food. Analyzes barriers and supports for healthy eating habits in Chicago neighborhoods. Service-learning component.
SOC 373
PUBLIC HEALTH AND HIGH RISK BEHAVIOR
Explores problems in community and public health such as HIV/AIDS and injection drug use. Topics may vary.
SOC 390
SEMINAR IN SOCIOLOGY
Selected topics form the basis of an in-depth consideration. Topics vary and may be initiated by students.
SOC 394
COMMUNITY BASED SOCIOLOGY
Combines basic understanding of sociological principles with field experience.
SOC 398
INTERNSHIP
Placement of students in work-study situations relevant to careers in health and human services, social work, juvenile justice, law and society, urban and community services. Clinical and Experiential (can fulfill jr. yr. requirement). (1 to 4 credit hours).