Social Epidemiology

Catalog description

This course explores the subdivision of epidemiology that elucidates the ways in which social identities, processes, arrangements and structures shape the population distribution of health and disease, and produce social inequalities in health. This course rests on the premise that the study of the determinants of health at multiple levels, and their interrelationships, is essential in order to better explain, potentially predict, and hopefully improve the health of populations. This course is intended to provide an overview of the major areas of inquiry, key theories, seminal findings, methodological challenges/solutions and ongoing debates. By the end of the course students will understand the theoretical, substantive, and methodological parameters of social epidemiology, and be able to evaluate its strengths and limitations.