3.00 Credits
This course offers an overview of the study of population health and will introduce students to the major social variables—social class, race, gender, poverty, income distribution, social networks/support, community cohesion, the work and neighborhood environment—that affect population health. The course covers the theoretical underpinnings of each construct (e.g. “race” as a social category), and examines the research linking each to population health status. Students will identify and critique population-based approaches to address health disparities and bring about social justice in health. Students will learn through lectures, small group exercises, written assignments, and an independent project that examines a contemporary population health issue.