Medicine and the Body (L4121)
Medicine and the Body
Module L4121
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This module critically engages with the conceptualisation and treatment of the body in medicine, and the ways in which those shape and are shaped by the broader politics of the body in the contemporary world. It draws on concepts from sociological, feminist, queer, postcolonial and post human theories, as well as nursing and bioethics. Students will engage with debates around (for example) the surveillance and commodification of bodies and body parts, the social impact of biomedical innovations such as organ transplantation, surgical interventions and enhancement; blame and responsibility for health states, approaches to treatment of mental health and disability, and the diseased, distressed and dying body.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of sociological theories and concepts related to the body in the context of medicine
Demonstrate a critical awareness of contemporary debates and empirical evidence about the body’s position in medical endeavours
Use appropriately both contemporary/historical events and conceptual/theoretical work to produce coherent and detailed written work for an academic audience
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio (1000 words) | Autumn Semester Week 7 Mon 16:00 | 30.00% |
| Essay (3000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 70.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 11111011111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
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