3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

In public health research and practice, marginalized populations are frequently labeled as “at risk” for negative health outcomes and as being more likely to engage in “high risk” behaviors. All too often, risk assessments and behavior change efforts target individuals without adequate consideration of social and environmental factors contributing to risk and vulnerability. The concepts of resilience and protective factors have gained attention in public health for their focus on supporting positive mental and behavioral health in the face of adversity. This seminar-style course will explore the core concepts of risk and resilience from the perspective of multiple disciplines (e.g. anthropology, epidemiology, and more), delving into each construct’s underlying conceptual frameworks, methods of assessment, contributing factors on multiple levels, and evidence-based interventions to support resilience and mitigate risk. Students will then use these core concepts to reflect on meaningful engagement with marginalized populations when assessing and addressing risk and resilience, explore the meaning and consequence of categorizing people based on their risk behavior, and become familiar with cross cultural perspectives on these topics. The course will conclude with a deliberation of future directions risk and resilience examined through a public health equity lens. Students are expected to actively engage with assigned readings and in-class discussions, and will have the opportunity to pursue topics of interest through individual assignments. This is a Gordis Teaching Fellowship course open to juniors and seniors. Priority registration will be given to Public Health Studies majors; other students will be permitted as space allows.