Social and Cultural Determinants of Health

Catalog description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to health disparities, social determinants of health, and the role of cultural factors in health and healthcare in the U.S. Scientists have long documented differences in health outcomes between populations and this course will explore the societal implications of such disparities and draw on varied sources and viewpoints to discover ideas for closing the gaps. Students will examine how social, economic, and environmental conditions impact health outcomes across different populations. In doing so, this course introduces students to the ways in which race/ethnicity, LGBTQ identity, sex/gender, disability status, immigration status, and urban-rural location affect health and health outcomes. The course will also explore the US healthcare system, cultural competence in healthcare delivery and strategies for addressing health inequities using a solutions-focused approach.