3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

Health disparities are avoidable, unjust differences in health opportunities and outcomes related to factors such as race and ethnicity, education, class, citizenship, disability, sex and gender identity, and sexual orientation. These disparities reflect the systems that distribute resources, privileges, and power across society and mediate exposure to physical and mental health hazards such as economic deprivation, discrimination, violence, unhealthy environments, uninsurance, and inadequate medical care. Health equity, which is often referred to as social justice in health, is an ethical value that drives efforts to eliminate these disparities. As the National Academy of Medicine asserts in each of its reports, “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” The purpose of this course is to introduce students to essential concepts, literature, and policy issues related to health disparities and to prepare them to use their knowledge to build effective policy strategies in support of health equity. Gordis Teaching Fellowship course. Completion of AS.280.340/ Fundamental of Health Policy Management is recommended, but not required.Priority registration is given to Public Health Studies majors. Other students will be permitted to register as space allows.