Course

Socio-cultural Aspects of Health and the Body

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Sport Science
Course Code
SPSC 2205
Credits
3.00
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
35
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Course Designation
Certificate in Global Competency
Industry Designation
None
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

Course Description
This course explores health and the body from a socio-cultural perspective. Social, economic, political and cultural conditions are examined for ways they impact interconnected health dimensions. Particular attention is given to social determinants of health, Canada's health care system, and social constructions of health and the body. Hands-on opportunities to conduct qualitative research within the context of health and society will be provided. Students will explore the social context of their own health experiences as well as constructions of health within the context of sport, exercise, and physical activity.
Course Content

Course Content:
1. Sociological imagination in exploring health and the body in broader historical, social and political contexts

2. Sociological theories exploring health and the body

3. Social structures, institutions and discourses influencing health and health inequities
3.1. Canada’s Health Care System

4. Understanding health
4.1. Historical and contemporary models of health
4.2. Experiences of health & illness (health discourses, health as cultural expression)
4.3. Dimensions of health and wellness

5. Social conditions influencing health and health inequities (economic, political, social, cultural)
5.1. Social determinants of health
5.2. Media as a social institution impacting health

6. Social constructions of health and the body
6.1. Healthy bodies
6.2. Gendered bodies and health
6.3. Racialized bodies and health
6.4. Healthy, aging bodies
6.5. Dis/ability and bodies
6.6. Digital health technologies (wearables; apps; digital fitness culture)

7. Researching health using qualitative methods

Learning Activities

Methods of instruction may include some or all of the following:

  • Lecture
  • Tutorials
  • Small and large group discussion
  • Case studies
  • Research studies (participant observation, interviews, autoethnography)
  • Debates
  • Online activities
Means of Assessment

Means of Assessment:
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation may include the following:

 

Individual research activity 0-25%
Group research project 0-25%
Contemporary case analysis 0-20%
Quizzes 0-20%
Tests (midterm &/or final) 0-30%
Contribution & Participation 0-10%
Total 100%

 

 

 

 

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course students will:
1. Deepen their understanding of the tenets and theories related to sociology
2. Understand and critically discuss social dynamics influencing the field of physical activity, the body, and 
health.
3. Develop and apply skills of critical inquiry in study of sport, health, and the body
4. Further develop written and oral expression of ideas (literacy)
5. Explore and apply research skills (research literacy)

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Identify and apply sociological theories and models of health to understand health-related situations

2. Critically assess and discuss the complex ways social, political, economic and cultural conditions impact the health of individuals and communities.

3. Identify and critically discuss the relationship between social determinants and health inequities.

4. Identify health dimensions and wellness (e.g., physical, social, emotional, mental, spiritual) and explain how they are interrelated as well as impacted by the social conditions in which we live.

5. Critically discuss the Canadian health care system and its impact on individual and community health.

6. Critically discuss how the body is shaped by the social and cultural conditions in which we live.

7. Critically discuss and assess how the cultural beliefs and social practices of sport, exercise and physical activity shape our experiences and understandings of health and “healthy” bodies. 

8. Apply research literacy skills of interpretation, synthesis, and application of peer-reviewed, health-related research studies.

9. Explore qualitative research methods such as participant observation, interview, autoethnography, and content analysis.

10. Demonstrate clarity of written and oral expression (literacy).

 

Textbook Materials
Reading package and textbooks will be made available through the bookstore.
Additional readings are available through the Douglas College Library

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include: 

Research-based journal articles available through the Douglas College Library (online); Research-based book chapters (linked online).

Requisites

Prerequisites

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for SPSC 2205
Athabasca University (AU) AU SOCI 2XX (3)
Capilano University (CAPU) CAPU HKIN 261 (3)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU SOCI 2XXX (3)
Langara College (LANG) LANG KINS 2261 (3)
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) No credit
North Island College (NIC) NIC EXW 1XX (3)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU BPK 1XX (3)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU PHED 2XXX (3)
Trinity Western University (TWU) TWU HKIN 325 (3)
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) UBCO HES_O 130 (3)
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) UBCV KIN_V 261 (3)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC SOSC 2XX (3)
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV KIN 261 (3)
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC EPHE 347 (1.5)
Vancouver Island University (VIU) VIU KIN 260 (3)

Course Offerings

Summer 2024