Overview

The programme content will be determined by students' own interests and so the programme will be developed to cover topics suggested by the class and will address these in themed sessions along the following lines:

The social patterning of mental illness, according to social class, age, gender and ethnicity.

The historical and contemporary organisation of psychiatry, its professional power and governmentality.

Anti-psychiatric and lay perspectives on mental health, service-user movements and patient power.

Current policy issues, debates and service structures.

Social stress theories.

Dual diagnosis: mental health & addictions.

Trauma and the impact of life events.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D+ to D-Demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of relevant material for this module, and a limited use of it to answer the question set with little independent thinking. Limited use of material from the module and other relevant information to support arguments; most of the references are drawn on appropriately to support discussion and presented correctly in both text and references list. Limited awareness of conflicting arguments and ideas but no real attempt to address them; some limited ability to analyse and to critically evaluate material. A framework for the assignment is apparent but logical flow and coherence not always consistent with acceptable use of written language.

-good -B+ to B-Demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of relevant material, using it to answer the question set and showing independent thinking. Good use of material from the module and other relevant information to support arguments; references are drawn on appropriately to support discussion and are presented fully and correctly in both text and references list. Some awareness of conflicting arguments and ideas and a good attempt to address them; some ability to analyse and to critically evaluate material. Sensible use of the major points with very good signposting and balance between sections with good use of written language.

-excellent -A* to A-Demonstrate excellent knowledge and understanding of relevant material, using it to answer the question set and showing independent thinking. Excellent use of material from the module and other relevant information to support arguments; references are drawn on appropriately to support discussion presented fully and correctly in both text and references list. Excellent awareness of conflicting arguments and ideas and a good attempt to address them; ability to analyse and to critically evaluate material. Excellent organisation of the major points with very good signposting and balance between sections with fluent use of written language.

-another level-C+ to C-Demonstrate adequate knowledge and understanding of relevant material, using it to answer the question set and showing independent thinking. Adequate use of material from the module and other relevant information to support arguments; references are drawn on appropriately to support discussion and are presented fully and correctly in both text and references list. Some awareness of conflicting arguments and ideas and a good attempt to address them; some ability to analyse and to critically evaluate material. Sensible use of the major points with very good signposting and balance between sections with good use of written language.

Learning Outcomes

• Compare professional and lay perspectives on mental illness.

• Critically analyse the evidence for how the experience of, and interventions for, a specific mental illness impact on those who are affected by it.

• Demonstrate empathy for those who experience mental illness and recognise its impact on a range of social roles and settings.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the main theoretical approaches to understanding the nature, prevalence and impact of mental illness.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the social organisation of psychiatry, and of the major changes which have taken place since the closure of the large institutions.