Traditional approaches to health focus on the individual but have severe limitations in that they take no account of the broader social context. This course gives students a unique opportunity to examine the central individual and structural approaches to public health and will equip them with the skills to make a reflexive examination of their own presuppositions about approaches to  public health issues and the effective translation of health interventions. The course draws on a wide range of ethnographic data, particularly on data concerning the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Southeast Asia, to make a comprehensive examination of the central individual and structurally focused models directing health interventions.

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of at least two individually focused approaches towards public health interventions (LO 1)

• Articulate a  critical understanding of the major structural approaches to public health (LO 2)

• Evaluate the relative efficacy of individual and structural approaches to health interventions in relation to a wide range of health issues LO 3)

• Reflectively evaluate taken-for-granted approaches to the understanding of public health issues  (LO 4)

60%  - 6000 word essay  LO1, LO2 

20% - Seminar presentation (paper to be handed in) LO2

10% - Class participation LO4

10% - Ongoing participation in forum discussion (at least ten substantive contributions) LO2, LO4

The workload will be three contact hours per week comprising a combination of lectures and seminars, with the expectation of a further seven hours of independent study.

Requires a Bachelor degree.

There is no assumed knowledge or required skills for this course.

There are no prescribed texts; Course readings will be provided.

Use of Wattle