This is a course which literally thousands of students from all faculties of the university have not only taken but enjoyed over the past 12 years. In its unusual linking of health with power, one major objective is to encourage students to find out and experience for themselves the power of the internet in the health sphere. This is examined in the light of different understandings of power and of health which result in some people and groups being advantaged while others suffer. Other issues covered are developments in public health, in mental health, the challenge of alternative models of health and the power struggles over birthing which are happening in Australia right now. At the end of this course you will:
•have a greater understanding of power concepts and how these apply to health care;
•have an ability to think critically about developments in health care and how these are affecting both mainstream and lternative/ complementary medicine;
•have a grasp of the importance of mental health issues;
•be aware of the current debates over birthing issues and the feasibility of safe homebirth.