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Special Topics in Political Science (390-0-24)

Topic

Health, Chronic Illness & Disability Politics

Instructors

Matt R Pryor

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L05: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Health is simultaneously one of our most basic needs and one of our most commodified goods. We race for cures, rally for affordable and accessible healthcare, debate the ethics of various treatments, and pass laws meant to keep our public healthy. But what do we mean when we talk about "health" or what constitutes a "disease"? How do we define disability, and for what purpose? Who is served by "health politics"? This course examines chronic illnesses and disability (CID) among adults, focusing on the medical and psychosocial aspects of various mental and physical health conditions with implications for political domains of functioning.

The primary aim of this course is to offer students an opportunity to explore the continuum of chronic illness and disability (CID) within adulthood through a political science lens. CID will be addressed by studying theoretical underpinnings drawing from medical, psychosocial, and political schemas and examining how these dimensions of understanding interact at the level of the individual, the family, the community, and the society-at-large.

Registration Requirements

Attendance at first class, Juniors/Seniors only

Learning Objectives

  • Define chronic illness and outline how chronic illness evolved over time
  • Identify key chronic illnesses present today
  • Describe the functional aspects of key of physical, cognitive, and sensory impairments
  • Analyze the role of adaptation and response to chronic illness and disability (CID) and how it impacts rehabilitation
  • List the rights people with disabilities have under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Illustrate the role of accommodations outlined in the ADA for those with chronic illness and disabilities
  • Define assistive technology and its use for people with CID
  • Determine ways that having a CID may change patterns of parenting styles
  • Explain how social determinants of health can impact individuals with CID
  • Compare how health promotion for individuals with CID is different than for those without CID

Evaluation Method

Final Paper
Discussion
Participation