410.614.11 A NEW VIEW: IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH THROUGH INNOVATIVE SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL TOOLS AND APPROACHES

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. Using biopsychosocial and environmental/ecological perspectives, explores 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.

After successful completion of the course, students should have at least several new perspectives and improved skill sets related to both assessing and improving public health. This includes being able to: 1) identify and discuss the major factors influencing health and public health today; 2) explain and apply how systems thinking and multi-dimensional frameworks are new and effective public health approaches; 3) at a basic level, be able to identify, construct and/or deconstruct such systems and frameworks; and, 4) 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.