340.666.81
Foundations of Social Epidemiology
Location
Internet
Term
4th Term
Department
Epidemiology
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2020 - 2021
Instruction Method
Synchronous Online with Some Asynchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Other 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.
Students learn to apply 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. After reviewing the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of social epidemiology from an historical perspective, we focus 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; we focus initially on 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:
- 30% Discussion Board
- 40% Assignments
- 30% LiveTalks