Transfers ToCSUDescriptionThis course introduces students to medicine, health and illness from a sociological perspective. Emphasis is placed on the social determinants of health, the social construction of illness, and medicine as a social institution. Key topics involve the industrialization of health care, the professionalization of medicine, the history of medical sociology, contemporary health care policies, the death care industry, and the relationship between patients and health care professionals. Students will examine health care disparities perpetuated by social inequalities involving race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, age, and culture. Back to Top | Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window) Facebook this Page (opens a new window) Tweet this Page (opens a new window) Add to Backpack (opens a new window) All catalogs © 2026 El Camino College. Powered by Modern Campus Catalog™ . 