Social Systems, Institutions, & Public Health

Catalog description

This solutions-oriented seminar course explores how historical and institutional factors have influenced health outcomes across different populations in the United States. Through examination of key historical events, theoretical frameworks, and empirical studies, students will critically analyze the ways in which social and policy environments contribute to disparities in health. The course emphasizes analysis of how societal structures—such as governance, institutions, and resource distribution—intersect with public health systems and outcomes. The course also prioritizes interpretation of research, engagement with interdisciplinary scholarship, and the evaluation of policy interventions aimed at improving population health. Through discussion, close reading, and independent analysis, students will develop the tools to assess how systems and institutions contribute to population-level health trends and outcomes.