School of Global Studies

Medicine and the Body (L3117)

Medicine and the Body

Module L3117

Module details for 2022/23.

30 credits

FHEQ Level 6

Module Outline

This module critically engages with the conceptualisation and treatment of the body in medicine, and the ways in which those shape the broader politics of the body in the contemporary world. It draws on concepts from sociological, feminist, queer, postcolonial and post human theories, as well as nursing and bioethics. Students will engage with debates around the surveillance and commodification of bodies and body parts, the social impact of biomedical innovations such as organ transplantation, surgical interventions and enhancement; the ‘hybrid’ or cyborg bodies created by these and by our interactions with drugs and alcohol; blame and responsibility for health states including the pressure to be ‘fit’ and the policing of mental health, disability and of sexual practice, and social responses to vulnerability, and the diseased, distressed and dying body

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of sociological theories and concepts related to the body in the context of medicine

Demonstrate a critical awareness of contemporary debates and empirical evidence about the body’s position in medical endeavours

Critically apply both empirical data and theoretical work to produce coherent and detailed written work for an academic audience

TypeTimingWeighting
Essay (4000 words)Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Tue 16:0070.00%
Coursework30.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
EssayT2 Week 7 100.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterSeminar3 hours111111111110

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Karen Lowton

Convenor, Assess convenor
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