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380.670.01
Religion, Spirituality and Public Health

Course Status
Cancelled

Location
East Baltimore
Term
3rd Term
Department
Population, Family and Reproductive Health
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2018 - 2019
Instruction Method
TBD
Class Time(s)
Tu, Th, 10:30 - 11:50am
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Other Year
Prerequisite

None.

Description
Religious traditions and spiritual practices are deeply intertwined with beliefs and behaviors that matter for health. This course will give students the conceptual tools to acknowledge this reality and to engage with religious actors (individuals and organizations) in a way which benefits all concerned.
Presents a broad overview of the ways in which religion and spirituality affect health, both generally and with a particular focus on fertility, family planning and adolescent health. Investigates the outreach of religious organizations tackling public health issues in domestic urban settings and internationally. Examines prescriptions for how faith-based organizations can be more integrated into governmental and NGO public health campaigns.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Define what is meant by the concepts “religious” and “spiritual” as they relate to public health.
  2. Describe the historical connections between religious institutions and public health initiatives.
  3. Explain the multiple ways which religion and spirituality affect health and well-being.
  4. Explain how religion and spirituality affect fertility and family planning practices as well as issues of adolescent health and development.
  5. Investigate and analyze one faith-based organization and its efforts to impact the health of a population.