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Health and Society

Home » Explore our Programs » Health and Society

Health and Society

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Double Major Minor

Challenge yourself to critically look at the complexity of health policy, and discover ways in which globalizing economies shape both illness and health care.

 

Program Information

The Health and Society program is an interdisciplinary studies program that explores health and illness within social, historical, political, economic, ecological, and cultural contexts. Courses in the program challenge students to look critically at biomedical practices, to understand the complexities of health policy, and to see the ways globalizing economies shape illness, health care, and individual well-being. Students are exposed to a variety of theoretical approaches used in health studies, as well as a range of academic fields, notably sociology, political economy, cultural anthropology, and social history.

Degree Information

Campus: Keele
Faculty:  Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Degree:   Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Degree Options: Double Major, Minor, Single Major
Duration

3, 4 yrs

Experiential Education

Placement

Honours Option

Yes

OUAC Code

YRG

Degree Overview

  • Why Health and Society
  • Program Overview
  • Courses
  • Your Degree Pathway

Understand Health and Illness
Our program will provide you with an understanding of what constitutes health and illness, both as lived realities and as reflections of larger social, cultural and political processes. This practical knowledge will form the base of your education and will contribute to your future success in the field.

Internship and Practicum Opportunities
As a Health and Society student you will have the opportunity to gain experience through field placements in Health and Society related organizations. You will be able to make contacts, increase your practical knowledge base and build your resume through these invaluable opportunities.

Active Student-Run Clubs
Our program is filled with passionate students. You will have ample opportunities to join your peers in volunteering with the Health and Society Student Association (HESOSA) and organizations in the broader York community. Volunteering is a great opportunity to build new friendships, raise awareness on health issues, and fundraise for health-based organizations.

Our Health and Society Program offers courses that bring together a range of academic fields, most notably sociology, political economy, cultural anthropology and social history. Our teaching will challenge you to look critically at a number of different health-related societal issues and appreciate the role played by social forces and cultural change in shaping individual well-being.

Sample Courses:
SOSC 1801 Health Controversies: Issues of Health, Illness, and Society
SOSC 2110 Health: Systems, Cultures and Power
SOSC 3168 Environmental Health
SOSC 3821 Indigenous Health and Healing
SOSC 4142 Art and Art Making for Health Research
SOSC 4144 Engaging Health in the Community (experiential learning)

Health and Society degree pathway: This browser does not support PDFs. Please download the PDF to view it: Download PDF.

Career Options

Our program's broad cross-disciplinary approach to health in its social context makes an excellent foundation for many careers. It will provide you with an excellent background for seeking employment in the health care sector with both non-profit and private agencies, health organizations, and government at all levels.

Careers:

Community and Youth Worker Community Health Activism and Advocacy Ecologist
Health Policy Advisor Hospital Administrator Lifestyle Instructor
Medical Technology Developer Medical Sales Representative Naturopath
Nutritionist Public Health Officer Social Worker

Meet Our Students, Alumni and Professors

Ruka Watanabe

Student, Health and Society  

Michael Adia

Alumnus, Health and Society '15  

Robert O'Neill

Alumnus, Health and Society  
Lykke de la Cour

Lykke de la Cour

Professor, Health and Society  

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