Global Burden of Disease

Catalog description

This is an advanced introduction to global public health, defining and critically examining key topics and concepts through an interdisciplinary lens. From historical efforts in mid-20th century international health assistance, to the early 21st century explosion of global health funding, to current efforts to decolonize global health and engage in more equitable global partnerships, this course examines major social and scientific developments. Readings, lectures, in-class discussions and small groups explore changes in the underlying causes of morbidity and mortality during global social, economic and health transitions, the biological and social ecology of global disease patterns, and efforts to improve health in under-resourced settings. Guest lecturers offer different perspectives on the global burden of disease. An in-depth research paper worth 40% of the final grade is the scholarly centerpiece of course; this is a rigorous semester-long project. There are two exams.