Undergraduate Course: Language and Communication in Health and Society (SHSS08005)
Course Outline
| School | School of Health in Social Science |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Language and communication are important aspects of how societies and individuals understand and deal with health and well-being. This course examines key aspects of communication in relation to health and well-being across a range of scales, including the societal and community scales, within health and social care settings and between individuals. Students will be introduced not only to ideas and theory on these topics but also to practical activities, which will enable them to reflect on their own experiences of communication styles across these settings and to further develop specific skills. |
| Course description |
Through lectures/workshops and tutorials students will explore the ways in which:
1. Health matters are represented and discussed in public media
2. Language and communication shape individuals' experiences of health and wellbeing, and the role talk plays in help-seeking and health-related behaviours
3. Language and communication are constitutive of the delivery of health and social care
This course provides an opportunity to learn about key aspects of using language as communication in relation to health and well-being across a range of uses and settings. It will also provide hands-on activities aimed at helping students to develop practical skills necessary for effective communication.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2015/16, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 20,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 10,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
166 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Students will submit two pieces of work for their summative assessment.
The first builds on the formative work, asking students to curate a set of three pieces of publically available communications, covering a range of methods of communication, regarding one single issue related to health and/or well-being (this may include the piece used for formative assessment). Students must submit a written essay drawing on course materials and readings from the full range of topics covered in weeks 1 through 6, discussing these three pieces. 2,000 words accounts for 60% of the summative assessment. This will be due in week 9.
The second piece for summative assessment focusses on the latter part of the course and comprises a reflective written account of the theory and practical skills involved in using language as communication. 1,500 words accounts for 40% of the summative assessment. This will be due near the end of the exam period.
The formative assessment develops Learning Outcomes 1-3 and contributes to the knowledge and skills required for the first paper of the summative assessment that will meet Learning Outcomes 1-4.
The second piece of summative assessment covers Learning Outcomes 5 and 6.
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| Feedback |
The formative assessment will involve students identifying one piece of publically available communication concerning a health and/or well-being issue of their choice, which represents, in their evaluation, best-practices in relation to the theories and practices covered in the first half of the course. They will then make a case, drawing on course readings and materials, as to why this piece of communication represents best-practices, and what its limitations are. This will be due in week 5. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and demonstrate an appreciation of different ways of using language in communicating around health.
- Identify aspects of difference, diversity and power in the use of language in communication.
- Identify and evaluate different methods of communication relating to health and well-being across a range of contexts.
- Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concepts that inform communication practices.
- Engage in the practice of listening as a form of communication.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
To be able to undertake critical analysis and synthesis of ideas.
To be able to communicate clearly and accessibly
To be able to critically evaluate pieces of communication produced by others
To be skilful listeners
To approach others with compassion
To be empathetic
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| Keywords | Language,Communication,Listening,Health,Social Care |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Ms Alette Willis
Tel: (0131 6)50 3881
Email: a.willis@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Lee Gaedtke
Tel: (0131 6)51 3972
Email: Lee.Gaedtke@ed.ac.uk |
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© Copyright 2015 The University of Edinburgh - 18 January 2016 4:52 am
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