Health Communication

Catalog description

This course covers applied health communication research and theory across a variety of communication contexts, including interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, and mediated. In this course, students will (a) analyze how messages from interpersonal and media sources affect health beliefs and behaviors, (b) evaluate the quality of communication in health and illness contexts, and (c) apply this knowledge to become more active participants in one’s own and community healthcare. Additionally, since health is inherently a product of societal and cultural systems, students will explore topics within ethical health communication practices. In doing so, students will work from an anti-discriminatory position by (a) recognizing the complexities and influences of healthcare systems, (b) contextualizing individual health experiences and decision-making within the constraints of societal and cultural experiences, and (c) actively recognizing instances and implications of systemic barriers on health. In this course, we will challenge the extent to which health communication research contributions are successful at impacting health equity. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 133W .