A description is provided of a course, "Behavior of Man in Health and Illness," designed to introduce first-year undergraduate nursing students to the theories and concepts related to the health-illness continuum, the stress of illness, and coping theory. The description begins with an overview of course content, followed by information on the allotment of class time, target student populations, the rationale for the course, and its goals (i.e., facilitating the understanding of theories of health and illness; helping students identify theories and concepts as they relate to specific patient populations; providing baseline knowledge of theories pertinent to nursing practice; and applying the theories in clinical settings and professional practice. Additional sections cover long-range course objectives, list instructional materials, and provide a glossary. The bulk of the course description consists of information on class sessions on the following topics: (1) Introduction to the Course; (2) The Health-Illness Continuum; (3) Theoretically Based Concepts for Nursing Practice; (4) Fundamental Concepts Associated with Illness and Disability, Parts I and II; (5) Concepts with Negative Connotations; (6) Concepts with Positive Connotations; (7) Behavioral Manifestations of Anxiety and Pain; (8) Family Interactions and Social Support; and (9) Stress in Nursing. For each session, an overview of content, a statement of goals and objectives, and a list of required readings are provided. Finally, sample test items, the grading scheme, and procedures for course evaluation and revision and for course and instructor evaluations are presented. (LAL)