SOCI 390 - Sociology of Mental Illness

3-4 Credit(s)

Poor mental health and mental illness are often attributed to biology, genetics, and “poor choices”. In this course, we will apply a sociological lens in our study of mental health, examining how mental illness is socially constructed, and exploring how mental health is impacted by social conditions. We will discuss how mental health is defined and measured, look at the prevalence and patterns of mental illness in US society, and think about how both mental health and illness are social constructs. We will discuss social responses to mental illness, social policy, and mental health care. Spring

Prerequisite(s): SOCI 101 OR SOCI 325