3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

Health-related stigma plays an important role in health and social outcomes, however its impact on individuals and populations varies according to context. Through readings, discussions, and assignments, students acquire the framework and skills to conceptualize and assess stigma across a range of health domains. To develop their understanding and analytical approach, students examine examples of HIV/AIDS, smoking, obesity, addiction, and mental health stigma. In each case, students consider key questions including: What are the forms and consequences of stigma? What theories apply? What ethical issues exist? How might interventions minimize or leverage stigma for health promotion? Throughout the semester, students also consider broader questions including: When should interventions target stigma? What are the ethical considerations in health-related stigma research? Is stigma always a threat to health? As the course places a strong emphasis on reading, critiquing, and applying health and social scientific literature, knowledge of or experience with psychology, sociology, ethics, and/or statistics is recommended but not required. Gordis Teaching Fellowship course. Priority registration is given to Public Health Studies majors. Other students will be permitted registration as space allows.