Overview

The purpose of this module is to allow students to develop a critical awareness of the relationship between society and mental well-being. Fundamental to this will be supporting students to recognise that mental well-being, both in a positive and negative sense, is inherently related to social experiences, social roles, identity, and social stratification. This module will argue that in order to understand mental well-being, it is vital that professionals look beyond biomedical arguments, and, instead, recognise its contextual and environmental nature, being something which, rather than biologically determined, is, instead, a phenomenon mediated by an individual's social circumstances.

Critically explore different disciplinary and academic definitions of mental well-being, mental health and mental illness.

Explore the historical development and dominance of biopsychiatry.

Examine how social class, gender and ethnicity influences the patterning and experience of mental health issues and mental well-being generally.

Understand the life course as a concept and recognise the development of mental health issues and illness across the life course.

Study and examine intervention factors, with a particular emphasis upon resilience, both individual and social resilience.

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.