Social Policy, Health and Welfare

Subject Overview

This first part of the subject examines the nature of public health and public health policy frameworks and issues and explores the cultural and social dimensions of health and wellness and the economic and political environment in which health policies and strategies are developed and implemented. The importance of social justice and equity in health care is emphasised.

The second part of the subject treats health promotion, a process for individuals, carers, communities and populations to increase control over their health by addressing the determinants of health and achieving improved health outcomes. You will practice skills needed to conduct a needs analysis and plan and evaluate an intervention for a health promotion project.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explore and critically analyse the history, issues, theory and emerging trends of health promotion and health behaviours.
2. Identify the determinants of health, and the barriers and factors influencing health promotion.
3. Compare and contrast concepts of health as an investment and health as a social justice issue.
4. Critically analyse the policies and principles which govern and inform public health practice and the response to health needs and problems. 
5. Critically analyse ways of working effectively with individuals, carers and communities.
6. Develop the basic project management skills for conducting a needs analysis, planning strategies to deal with health issues, and evaluating initiatives.

Assessments

• Assessment 1: Class presentation and discussion of reports (20%, due week 3)
• Assessment 2: Essay on public health (30%, due week 6)
• Assessment 3: Individual report on health promotion intervention (50%, due week 10)