| Dozent/in |
Dr. rer. soc. Brigitte Hofstetter Furrer |
| Veranstaltungsart |
Seminar |
| Code |
HS251322 |
| Semester |
Herbstsemester 2025 |
| Durchführender Fachbereich |
Gesundheitswissenschaften |
| Studienstufe |
Master |
| Termin/e |
Di, 16.09.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 23.09.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 30.09.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 07.10.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 14.10.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 21.10.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 28.10.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 04.11.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 11.11.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 18.11.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 25.11.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 02.12.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 09.12.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47
Di, 16.12.2025, 14:15 - 16:00 Uhr, 4.B47 |
| Umfang |
2 Semesterwochenstunden |
| Inhalt |
This seminar explores how social ties - from close friendships and family support to broader community networks - shape health outcomes. Throughout the course, we will examine key concepts of social support, social networks, and social capital, using theoretical frameworks and empirical research to illuminate the many ways in which social connections influence health. We will analyse both the beneficial and detrimental facets of these relationships and discuss contemporary issues such as the health implications of loneliness among older adults and the influence of social media use on young adults’ perceived support and associated health outcomes.
Accordingly, the seminar will cover topics including, but not limited to, foundational frameworks linking social ties and health; types of social support and their effects on health outcomes; the interplay between social relationships and health across the life course; variations in support dynamics across gender and cultures; loneliness and social isolation; and interventions that leverage social relationships to improve health. |
| E-Learning |
Course materials are provided or linked via the e-learning platform Moodle. |
| Lernziele |
By the end of this course, you will be able to: Explain key theories and concepts that link social relationships to mental and physical health, and distinguish their protective as well as harmful effects. Critically analyze and discuss empirical studies on relationships and health, identifying their strengths and limitations, as well as their implications for practice. Relate empirical findings to theoretical frameworks and propose intervention ideas that address health-related challenges linked to social relationships. |
| Sprache |
Englisch |
| Begrenzung |
Participant limit: To maintain the seminar’s interactive nature, enrolment is limited to 20 participants. The limit will be administered via Moodle according to the chronological order of registration. From 1st September 2025 12:00 p.m. (noon), it will be possible to register via Moodle. As soon as 20 participants are registered, the registration window will close automatically. If you would like to be put on the waiting list, please send an email to: masterhealth@unilu.ch. |
| Anmeldung |
https://elearning.hsm-unilu.ch/course/view.php?id=927 |
| Prüfung |
Assessment is based on three components: (1) individual presentation (60% of the grade), (2) active moderation of a discussion following another student’s presentation (30% of the grade), and (3) overall engagement in seminar discussions (10% of the grade).
IMPORTANT: In order to earn credits and participate at the exam registration via Uni Portal within the exam registration period is MANDATORY. Further information: www.unilu.ch/en/study/courses-exams-regulations/health-sciences-and-medicine/exams/ |
| Abschlussform / Credits |
Presentation, Moderation of a discussion, engagement in seminar discussions / 3 Credits
|
| Hinweise |
Teaching methods:
Teaching will take place in an interactive seminar format. After four introductory sessions providing an overview of key theories and concepts, the course will continue with student-led presentations followed by in-depth discussions. Each student will choose a specific topic, draw on two to three central empirical studies related to it, link them to foundational theories and/or concepts, critically evaluate their strengths and limitations, and present ideas for possible interventions that address the specific problem or issue under discussion. |
| Hörer-/innen |
Nein |
| Kontakt |
brigitte.hofstetter@unilu.ch |
| Material |
Lecture slides, mandatory readings and other documents for the course are provided or linked on Moodle. |
| Literatur |
• Davidson, A. (2019). Social Determinants of Health. A Comparative Approach (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K. & Viswanath, K. (Eds.) (2015). Health Behavior. Theory, Research, and Practice (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons Inc.
• Holt-Lunstad, J. (2022). Social Connection as a Public Health Issue: The Evidence and a Systemic Framework for Prioritizing the "Social" in Social Determinants of Health. Annual Review of Public Health, 43, 193–213.
• McDowell, I. (2023). Understanding Health Determinants. Explanatory Theories for Social Epidemiology. Springer.
• Umberson, D. & Karas Montez, J. (2010). Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior 51(S), S54-S66. |