SOC320

Provides an overview of the ways in which a sociological perspective informs our understanding of mental health and illness and will cover the historical, social, and cultural contexts encompassing the experience of mental illness. Emphasizes social, rather than the biological or medical, factors in order to gain a better understanding of the meaning and precursors of mental illness, paying particular attention to the ways in which these processes differ across social groups. Students will have the opportunity to discuss how mental illness is defined and how those definitions are applied to different people. In addition, students may examine how persons with mental illness are cared for and how "care" has changed over time.