SOC 340 Mental Health & Illness

SOC 340 Mental Health & Illness (remote TR 11-12:15 and online)
This course is an overview of sociological approaches to understanding mental health and illness. How do sociologists understand mental illness?  What distinguishes sociological approaches from other approaches (biomedical, psychological, etc.)? We also will explore how mental health and illness are affected by a range of social factors. Who is most likely to become “ill” and with what illnesses? What social factors affect the experiences that people have with mental health and wellness? Historically, how have people been treated, socially and psychiatrically, when they are diagnosed with a mental health problem?  Are people with mental illness more likely to be violent than other people?  What is the relationship between crime and mental illness?  How do the media portray those with mental illness? Globally, outside of the U.S., how is mental health and illness experienced?   (For more information, contact Dr. Debbie Potter.)