SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL ILLNESS

Transcription

1 SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL ILLNESS This course requires a prerequisite of Sociology 101. No exceptions Dr. Linda Carelli 920:307:01 lincarelli@comcast.net Spring 2017 Office hours: Thursday after class or by apt. There are times in life when the question of knowing if one can think differently than one thinks, and perceive differently than one sees, is absolutely necessary if one is going to go on looking and reflecting at all. (Michael Foucault 1985) The learning goals of this course will be to analyze mental health data applying sociological theories as well as integrating information from other approaches to the study of mental illness. Sociological theories will be explored in depth. The first part of the course explores the causal theories of mental illness including the medical model, and the sociological and psychological approaches to mental illness. Next, we will consider how a network of attitudes and structural arrangement, including social class, ethnicity, gender, marital status, and age influence the causes and response to mental distress. The final part of the course concerns various aspects of help seeking behaviors, mental health systems of care and mental health policies. Throughout we will hear the voices of those who experience mental illness to enhance an understanding and compassion for their human suffering. There will be an exam after each of the three parts of the course. Each exam counts for a third of the grade. There is no final comprehensive exam. All students must take the exams when they are scheduled. You will need a doctor s or otherwise official note to make up an exam. There will be one major extra-credit assignment given to the entire class and no individual extra-credit assignments. Students will be expected to regularly attend class. Participation is encouraged. Final grade will apply Rutgers University undergraduate standard grading scale: A B B C C D F 0 59

2 If you need accommodations for a disability or chronic illness please contact the Office of Disability Services at dsoffice@rce.rutgers.edu for an accommodation letter. This course will apply the current academic integrity policy of Rutgers University. Cheating on exams is a violation of such academic integrity. Diversity statement: The Rutgers Sociology Department strives to create an environment that supports and affirms diversity in all manifestations, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, social class, disability status, region/country of origin and political orientation. We also celebrate diversity of theoretical and methodological perspectives among our faculty and students and seek to create an atmosphere of respect and mutual dialogue. We have zero tolerance for violations of these principles and have instituted clear and respectful procedures for responding to such grievances. Required Readings 1. Cockerham, William, Sociology of Mental Disorder, 2014 (ISBN 10: ) 2. David Karp and Sisson, Gretchen, Voices from the Inside: Readings on the Experiences of Mental Illness, 2010 (ISBN ) 3. Susan Sheehan, Is There No Place on Earth for Me?, Vintage Books, 1983 (ISBN ) 4. Supplementary class material will be put on Sakai/Resources and numbered Course Schedule and Assigned Readings PERSPECTIVES ON MENTAL ILLNESS Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Course Overview Introduction to The Study of Mental Illness Cockerham, The Problem of Mental Disorder, pp. 1 4 Karp and Sisson, Introduction pp Sakai/ Resource (1): Definition and Terms Jan. 24 Categories of Mental Illnesses Cockerham, Types of Mental Disorders. pp

3 Jan. 26 Experiences of individuals with mental illness Karp,D, The Unwelcome Career, pp Jamison, K, in Karp Flights of the Mind, pp Karp,C, Denial and Addiction, pp Jan. 31 Epidemiology Cockerham, Mental Disorder: Social Epidemiology, pp Sakai/Resource (2): Epidemiology Different approaches for understanding Mental Disorders Feb. 2, 7, 9 Biological, Psychological, Sociological Cockerham, Mental Disorder: Concepts of Causes and Cures, pp Karp and Sisson, The Meanings of Medication, Slater, L, in Karp and Sisson, Prozac Diary, pp Feb. 14 Social Stress Model Continued Sakai/Resources (3): Social Stress Model Feb. 16 EXAM #1

4 Part Two: SOCIAL CORRELATES OF MENTAL DISORDERS Feb. 21 Terrorism Sakai/Resource (4): Terrorism Work Sakai/Resource (5): Characteristics of work related to mental health Feb. 23, 28 Social Class Cockerham, Mental Disorder: Social Class, pp Mar. 2, 7, 9 Age, Gender and Marital Status Cockerham, Mental Disorder: Age, Gender and Marital Status pp Sakai/Resource (6): Gender Differences Sakai/Resource (7): Transgender Mar Spring Break Mar. 21, 23 Race and Ethnicity Cockerham, Mental Disorder: Race, pp Sakai/Resource (8): Race Note: Extra credit Sakai/Resource (9) March 28 EXAM #2

5 Part Three: THE SOCIAL RESPONSE TO MENTAL ILLNESS Mar. 30 Labeling Theory Cockerham, Residing in the Community, pp Karp and Sisson, The Stigma of Mental Illness, pp Owen, C, To Tell or Not to Tell, in Karp and Sisson, pp April 4 Mental Health Systems and Policies: Models and Practices Cockerham, Problem of Mental Disorder, pp Cockerham, Community Care and Public Policy, pp Movie: "One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest (on your own) April 6, 11, 13 From Institution to Community Care after Deinstitutionalism Cockerham, Community Care and Public Policy, pp Karp and Sisson, In the Community, pp Winerip, M, in Karp and Sisson, 9 Highland Road,pp Sheehan, Is There No Place On Earth for Me? April 18, 20 Consumers and their families Karp and Sisson, Recovering, pp Hornbacker, M, in Karp and Sisson, Wasted, pp Guest Speaker from NAMI April 25, 27 Legal System's Response to Mental Illness Cockerham, Mental Disorder and the Law, pp Sakai/Resouirces (10) May 5 EXAM #3

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