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Sociology of Health and Illness

SOCY 200
200-Level Courses
Winter 2027
3 Units
In-person
3

Please note that course information listed in the Arts and Science Course Calendar supersedes any information listed on the Sociology website.

For the most current course offerings, registered Queen’s students should consult SOLUS.

Course Description

This course explores the sociological dimensions affecting the meaning and experience of health and illness in contemporary society. Topics include policy, professionalization, medicalization, mental health, inequalities, bioethics, and globalization.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Comprehend past and current health policy in Canada and the impact of policy reforms.
  2. Explain and summarize sociological research in this field.
  3. Identify a range of theoretical approaches to health and illness in the sociological literature.
  4. Investigate structural dimensions of health outcomes including environmental, occupational, political, and economic factors.
  5. Investigate the sociological factors that affect health outcomes including socio-economic status, gender, immigrant status, Indigeneity, age, and their intersection.
  6. Understand different definitions of health and illness and their sociological implications.