Communicating Health Info

Catalog description

Where did you get that information? This course examines patterns and trends at the intersection of technology and health communication. Students learn to assess health information for its authority, validity, and bias as well as the ethical dimensions of its use, creation, and dissemination. Through weekly self-assessments, students examine how psychographic characteristics-such as health beliefs, health regulatory focus, and health information avoidance-influence both the reception and design of health messages. Students explore a variety of health issues, information sources, culturally and linguistically-appropriate messaging, social marketing strategies, and modes of communication. Key issues covered in this course include: health literacy, message framing, audience tailoring, behavior change theory, technology access, health influencers, and communications during public health emergencies. Emphasis is placed on digitally engaging a variety of audiences on health-related topics and practical strategies for addressing health misinformation. Working in teams, students apply course concepts to design, develop, and implement a comprehensive health communication campaign using social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram).