Determinants of Health

Course Description

Examines how biology, behavior, psychology, culture, and the environment affect population-level health with an emphasis on social, political, economic contexts and structural/institutional bias, racism, and discrimination. Prerequisite: Major in the Public Health Education department or permission of instructor.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Explain the biological, behavioral, psychological, cultural, and environmental factors that affect a population’s health.
  • Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequalities, and racism impact determinants of a population’s health.
  • Analyze how social, political, and economic determinants contribute to population health status, disease, and health inequities.
  • Apply an ecological perspective to exploring links between human and animal health.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Preparedness/Classroom Engagement 60 points
Case Study Analyses 60 points
Community Oral History & Digital Storytelling Project 150 points
End-of Course Learning Reflection 30 points
Total 300 points

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
279 - 300A
270 - 278A-
261 - 269B+
249 - 260B
240 - 248B-
231 - 239C+
219 - 230C
210 - 218C-
200 - 209D+
189 - 199D
Below 189F

Attendance/Participation:

This is an in-person graduate level seminar that starts with preparation. This means doing and processing the required readings and any related homework enough to bring something substantive (i.e. a question or concern raised or a new connection) to the in-class discussion.

In-class attendance and participation mean showing up as a colleague, listening carefully enough to build on what others say and advancing the conversation.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.