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410.654.01
Health Communication Programs I: Planning and Strategic Design

Location:
East Baltimore
Term:
3rd term
Department:
Health Behavior and Society
Credits:
4 credits
Academic Year:
2022 - 2023
Instruction Method:
In-person
Class Times:
  • Tu Th,  3:30 - 5:20pm
Auditors Allowed:
No
Undergrads Allowed:
No
Grading Restriction:
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor:
  • Radha Rajan
Contact:
Radha Rajan
Resources:
Description:

This course is designed for learners who want to apply cutting edge theory and research methods to the design, implementation, and evaluation of population-based communication programs aimed at changing health behaviors and improving health outcomes.

Focuses on the design, implementation, evaluation, and critique of communication programs designed to influence health behavior and improve public health (two-quarter course). Emphasizes the step-by-step process of (1) formative research and situation analysis (including use of conceptual frameworks, qualitative and quantitative audience research, and assessment of the media, policy and services environment), (2) theory-based and evidence-based strategic design, (3) message development, pretesting, and materials production, (4) program implementation and monitoring, and (5) theory-based program evaluation, utilization and dissemination of findings.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Discuss the steps involved in developing, implementing and evaluating a health communication project, intervention or campaign
  2. Describe the types of research necessary to develop a health communication strategy and design a project
  3. Develop a work plan for a health communication project
  4. Design and carry out a sample survey to identify pre- and post-intervention discuss, attitudes and behaviors
  5. Develop communication messages and materials consistent with a health communication strategy
  6. Describe appropriate monitoring and evaluation techniques used to track and assess health communication processes and effects
  7. Describe the elements that make a health communication project effective and critique designs and materials used by actual health communication interventions
Methods of Assessment:

This course is evaluated as follows:

  • 10% Participation
  • 20% Midterm
  • 50% Group Project(s)
  • 10% Presentation(s)
  • 10% Written Assignment(s)

Multiterm:
Instructor Consent:

No consent required

Special Comments:

Grades submitted at end of 4th term. Students are required to meet with TA/Professor one hour a week outside of regular class time.