Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Module Identifier
LAM8610
Module Title
MENTAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Academic Year
2010/2011
Co-ordinator
Semester
Intended for use in future years
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | One essay of 5000 words. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an appreciation of the complexities that surround society's need for protection and the individual's right to treatment and liberty.
2. Identify and assess the main types of mental illness and the relative risk to others.
3. Critically evaluate the prospects for, and limitations of, treating the mentally ill.
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of the public and political attitudes to those with mental health issues and present critical argument on these issues.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of historical developments and analyse the cultural differences in the treatment of the mentally ill.
Content
The module will address the issues of human rights in relation to the mentally ill by using both historical and international perspectives. In particular it will focus upon:
- The Mental Health Acts.
- A history of the treatment of the mentally ill with a particular focus on the closure of the asylums/care in the community and also the criminalization of increasing numbers of individuals with mental health problems.
- The assessment and categorization of mental health and the development and evaluation of risk - focusing on whether assessment and/or treatment are for the benefit of the individual or society.
- Comprehensive discussion on issues relating to the human rights of the mentally ill, specifically, indefinite detention for public protection, forced treatment and medication, and social exclusion.
- A review of current practice, with an emphasis on the future agenda for dealing with the mentally ill, an assessment of initiatives overseas, and the role of the criminal justice system in dealing with vulnerable populations.
- The Mental Health Acts.
- A history of the treatment of the mentally ill with a particular focus on the closure of the asylums/care in the community and also the criminalization of increasing numbers of individuals with mental health problems.
- The assessment and categorization of mental health and the development and evaluation of risk - focusing on whether assessment and/or treatment are for the benefit of the individual or society.
- Comprehensive discussion on issues relating to the human rights of the mentally ill, specifically, indefinite detention for public protection, forced treatment and medication, and social exclusion.
- A review of current practice, with an emphasis on the future agenda for dealing with the mentally ill, an assessment of initiatives overseas, and the role of the criminal justice system in dealing with vulnerable populations.
Brief description
In today's `risk-averse' society we are moving away from medical models of mental health. Although issues surrounding mental health have received greater exposure in recent years, there is still a level of ignorance about the relative danger posed by those with psychological problems and the options available for treatment. This module will address whether the human rights of these individuals are being compromised by the increased willingness to criminalise and imprison many individuals with mental health issues.
The module will provide an overview of mental health legislation and the methods used historically to contain and treat the mentally ill. Contrasting these developments with wider international perspectives on the issues surrounding those with mental health problems will provide a context to appreciate the need to protect society whilst also treating those with problem behaviours with respect and dignity.
The module will provide an overview of mental health legislation and the methods used historically to contain and treat the mentally ill. Contrasting these developments with wider international perspectives on the issues surrounding those with mental health problems will provide a context to appreciate the need to protect society whilst also treating those with problem behaviours with respect and dignity.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Students will critically analyse research findings and gain an appreciation of the role that measurement of various concepts plays in the development of theory. |
| Communication | Written communication is developed by the presentation of information and argument in written answers and in a more informal way by the use of Blackboard to encourage communication among students and between students and staff. Oral communication skills are developed at the residential study schools. Written communication assessed only. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Distance learning, by its very nature, requires strong individual learning and performance structures and this module further develops key skills in this area. |
| Information Technology | The module is delivered almost entirely by distance learning which relies heavily on the use of electronic information resources and on-line learning and teaching. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Independent learning enhances time management skills. Studying the module will also develop an enhanced capacity for critical thought and the ability to work independently. |
| Problem solving | The area of mental health requires the understanding of a wide range of issues, and students will develop critical problem solving skills in order to fully appreciate the complexities of the subject area. |
| Research skills | Students will be required to read and study beyond the set module texts and to locate further materials and research findings on the subject. |
| Subject Specific Skills | None. |
| Team work | Team working skills will be developed in group activities and discussions at the residential study schools. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7