410.614.79
A New View: Improving Public Health Through innovative Social and Behavioral Tools and Approaches

Location
Internet
Term
Summer Institute
Department
Health, Behavior and Society
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2025 - 2026
Instruction Method
Synchronous Online
Start Date
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
End Date
Friday, May 30, 2025
Class Time(s)
Tu, W, Th, F, 9:00am - 4:50pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Paul Gaist
Kirsty Sievwright
Contact Name
Paul Gaist
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
Emphasizes real world integrative thinking, tools, and solutions in the pursuit of improving public health in the U.S. and internationally. Presents a global, multifaceted examination of health and illness, exploring the many factors that influence - or even determine - whether we remain healthy or become ill. Uses biopsychosocial and environmental/ecological perspectives to explore the most prevalent diseases and health challenges confronting us today. Presents emerging views of health and illness being used in research, program and policy arenas. Examines factors such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, stress, stigma, social support, coping, and politico-cultural influences through an array of contemporary issues, including: obesity, HIV/AIDS, women's health, bioterrorism, environmental public health, mental health and others. Presents innovative social and behavioral perspectives, tools and approaches.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Both assess and improve public health
  2. Identify and discuss the major factors influencing health and public health today
  3. Explain and apply how systems thinking and multi-dimensional frameworks are new and effective public health approaches
  4. At a basic level, identify, construct and/or deconstruct such systems and frameworks
  5. Outline and develop improved research, program and/or policy formulations designed to address contemporary public health issues through the perspectives, tools and approaches introduced in this course
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 30% Participation
  • 20% Assignments
  • 50% Final Paper
Instructor Consent
No consent required