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221.725.78
Commercial Determinants of Health

Course Status
Cancelled

Location
Internet
Term
Summer Institute
Department
International Health
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
Synchronous Online with Some Asynchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
Examines corporations as a dominant feature of modern life and how commercial actors (across industries) pursue strategies that shape consumer preferences with profound implications for health. Identifies harmful products across commercial industries (such as tobacco, alcohol, fossil fuels) as well as products that sustain life (such as pharmaceuticals, food, beverages). Analyzes how the global proliferation of these products has accelerated the epidemiological transition to non-communicable diseases (such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular health, cancer, depression, substance use disorders). Explores how commercial corporations become powerful and why efforts to constrain them through evidence-based policy often fail. Considers measures that can be taken to hold corporations more accountable. Examines corporate behavior and analyzes governance dimensions of health systems in order to better protect consumers.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Explain key concepts related to the commercial determinants of health
  2. Analyze consumer trends and examine their relationship to epidemiological data
  3. Develop and present a persuasive proposal
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 20% Reflection
  • 40% Assignments
  • 20% Presentation(s)
  • 10% Midterm
  • 10% Participation