Module Information

Module Identifier

LAM4720

Module Title

MENTAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Academic Year

2012/2013

Co-ordinator

Dr Gareth Norris

Semester

Semester 2

Course Delivery

Delivery Type	Delivery length / details
Seminars / Tutorials	22 hours; 11x2 hour seminars

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	TWO WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS OF 2,500-3,000 WORDS (40% EACH) OR ONE WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT OF 5,000-6,000 WORDS	80%
Semester Assessment	ORAL PRESENTATION	20%
Supplementary Assessment	WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT(s) TO BE RESUBMITTED, IF FAILED	80%
Supplementary Assessment	WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT IN LIEU OF ORAL PRESENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED, IF FAILED	20%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities that surround society’s need for protection and the right to treatment and liberty;
2. Describe the main types of mental illness and the relative risk to others;
3. Evaluate the prospects for and limitations of treating the mentally ill;
4. Discuss the relationship between public and political attitudes to those with mental health issues;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical developments and cultural differences in the treatment of the mentally ill.

Brief description

The module will provide an overview of mental health legislation and the methods used to contain and treat the mentally ill from a historical perspective. Contrasting these developments with wider international examples 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.

Content

The course will aim to 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 Act
- The assessment and categorization of the mental ill
- A history of the treatment of the mentally ill
- The closure of the asylums and care in the community
- The criminalisation of the mentally ill
- Indefinite detention for public protection
- The development of risk assessment techniques
- Forced medication
- Social exclusion and stigmatisation

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7