Course: Sociology

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Course title Sociology
Course code HUM/VOK21
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Lesson + Seminary
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 1
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Vévoda Jiří, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
I. Block - The emergence of sociology. Traditional vs. modern society. II. Block - Development of sociological approaches. Social groups. III. Block - Sociology of medicine. Health and illness in a sociological context. IV. Block - Sociology in medicine vs. sociology of medicine. V. Block - Sociology of the care recipient and the family. VI. Block - The role of physicians and non-physician professionals. Health inequalities. Patient needs. VII. Block - Medicalization of life.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Observation, Demonstration, Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization)
  • Homework for Teaching - 18 hours per semester
  • Attendace - 7 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The course is an introduction to the basic issues of sociology, its history, paradigmatic roots and basic methodological approaches. It is focused on sociology of health and illness; sociology of medicine and medical institutions; and research of social aspects of health and illness and healthy life style.
Upon completing the course Sociology of Health and Illness, the student understands the influence of society, culture, and social structure on health, illness, and nursing care. He or she is able to identify the social determinants of health and respond to the specific needs of various patient groups, including older adults, children, individuals with mental illness, migrants, and socially disadvantaged persons. He or she can recognize the psychosocial context of illness, promote equal access to care, and contribute to a respectful, empathetic, and inclusive care environment. He or she is able to apply fundamental sociological principles in communication with patients and colleagues and understands the nurse's role within broader societal and community frameworks.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for studying Sociology of Health and Illness include a basic understanding of how society and the healthcare system function. The student should understand that health and illness are not only biological but also socially and culturally shaped phenomena. She should be prepared to explore how social factors (such as education, income, environment, and family) influence patient behavior, attitudes toward health, and access to healthcare. The ability to recognize the diverse needs of individuals and groups and to reflect on personal attitudes toward vulnerable or socially disadvantaged patients is essential. Competence in reading academic texts and participating in discussions on the social context of nursing practice is also required.
HUM/VOK03 and HUM/VOK07

Assessment methods and criteria
Mark, Written exam

Completion of at least 90% of classes. Verification of acquired knowledge and understanding. Ongoing active completion of assigned tasks. Final exam based on lecture presentations and recommended literature. Examination.
Recommended literature
  • Bártlová, S., Matulay, S. (2009). Sociologie zdraví, nemoci a rodiny. Martin: Osveta.
  • Bártlová, S. (2002). Sociologie medicíny a zdravotnictví. Brno: IDVPZ.
  • Boháček, J. (2024). Sociologie. Praha: Vysoká škola ekonomie a managementu.
  • Hamplová, Dana (a kol.). (2014). Rodina a zdraví - jejich vzájemné souvislosti.. Praha: SLON.
  • Illich, Ivan. (2012). Limity medicíny: Nemesis medicíny - zaprodané zdraví. Emitos.
  • Urban, Lukáš. (2022). Sociologie : klíčová témata a pojmy. Praha : Grada.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences Study plan (Version): General Nursing (2020) Category: Health service 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Winter