221.654.81
Systems Thinking in Public Health: Applications of Key Methods and Approaches
Location
Internet
Term
2nd Term
Department
International Health
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
None
Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analyzing how components of complex systems interact and adapt. Through systems thinking we can understand how societies organize themselves to achieve collective health goals and how different actors contribute to policy outcomes. The practice of systems thinking includes the ability to integrate multiple perspectives and synthesize them into a framework or model that encompasses the various ways in which a system might react to policy choices.
Provides students with an understanding of how to apply systems thinking in public health. Trains students on the fundamentals of systems thinking theory and offers an opportunity to apply key methods and approaches to health policy and health questions. Prepares students to ask relevant research questions and apply a systems thinking lens to describe, understand, and anticipate complex behavior. Examines how systems models can be critically appraised and communicated with others so public health policy makers can exercise a greater degree of wisdom and insight.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Identify characteristics of "wicked" problems that require systems thinking (e.g., complex contexts, complex relationships among health systems actors)
- Critically appraise whether, when, and how to apply system thinking for solving "wicked" problems
- Use systems thinking tools to visually represent and manage "wicked problems" and the unanticipated consequences emerging in public health
- Use participatory approaches to engage with and communicate persuasively with diverse stakeholders
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 20% LiveTalks
- 5% Discussion Board
- 40% Quizzes
- 30% Group Project(s)
- 5% Peer-feedback