HPSM 6277 - Health Advocacy and Community Based Activism

[2 Credits]

The purpose of this course is to consider public health issues that have social, political, and economic determinants and to examine how health professionals can promote change through advocacy and activism. The course consists of 3 parts, which are intertwined. The first part covers social epidemiology, a history of the U.S. health system and the role of government in health care, and the principles of organizing for social change. The second part builds on this foundation taking up the most important issues of the day. Perspectives are provided by visiting faculty who have played leadership roles in solving problems on the front lines. The third part is like the second but is based on readings with discussions led by students.