Teaching Introduction to Sociology to Pre-Medical Students

Abstract

In response to recent changes to the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for entry into medical school beginning in 2015, the Department of Sociology at The University of Memphis introduced a new and special section of Introduction to Sociology for Pre-Medical students during the spring 2013 semester. The course targeted underclass students seeking to...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Medical Sociology

Resource Type(s):

Syllabus

Class Level(s):

College 100

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

This syllabus was used for Introduction to Sociology for Pre-Medical Students during the Spring 2013 semester at The University of Memphis. The primary intent of the course is to prepare students wanting to attend medical school to understand key sociological principles and how human and social factors are related to health. This course is a key mechanism...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Have a clear understanding of the diverse nature of modern societies, including their institutions and social structures and how they are related to health, medical and related issues. Students will examine the dynamics of social change on human populati
2. Complete lab assignments that allow students to analyze the statistical relationship between social, economic, and population variables with health outcome measures.
3. Develop a sociological imagination and use this to understand the social and medical issues and disparities that we will read about and discuss. Write a term paper using your sociological imagination to observe how people’s behaviors, practices, and surr

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Exams-worth 100 (3 exams total): 35 multiple choice questions worth 2 points apiece, 6 short answer questions worth 5 points apiece.
2. Lab assignments (4 assignments worth 25 points each, 100 points total): using General Social Survey data to explore real world issues and answer a series of questions on each topic.
3. Final paper (75 points): Sit in a public location and observe people around you, focusing on how their behaviors are related to an aspect of health, illness, or medicine. Write a paper about what you saw illustrating one or more sociological principles.