340.666.81
Foundations of Social Epidemiology
Location
Internet
Term
2nd Term
Department
Epidemiology
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online with Some Synchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Daniel Antiporta Penaloza
Kassandra Alcaraz
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
340.601, 340.721, or 340.751 or equivalent. Students must complete Introduction to Online Learning prior to enrolling in this course.
Students must have some background in social science theory and methods. Students who have not had college level social science (sociology, psychology, anthropology) should consult with the course director before signing up for this course.
Presents applications of social epidemiologic concepts, introduced through weekly online lectures and readings, and the use of discussions and case studies. Prepares students to understand and appreciate the contribution of social factors to disease etiology, course, and the distribution of states of health in populations. Reviews the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of social epidemiology from an historical perspective. Focuses on the scientific findings in the field from the 1970's until today; the influence of social context on behavior is well known and forms the backbone for most health promotion interventions. Delineates how the social environment influences behavior by shaping norms, reinforcing social control, providing environmental opportunity, and coping strategies.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the historical and theoretical underpinnings of the field of social epidemiology and discuss the major unsolved issues confronting the field
- Demonstrate the quality and limitations of measurement of key social conditions influencing health and illness of populations
- Distinguish between psychological (individual-based) approaches to discussing health disparities from the social perspective (community-based), and demonstrate how the empirical literature critically supports these differences for a particular health or disease state.
- Operate within and facilitate a discussion group format
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 20% Quizzes
- 40% Assignments
- 20% LiveTalks
- 20% Participation