Diversity and Health

Catalog description

Diversity and Health is an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of the impact of diversity on health in America. The course is designed to provide an understanding of the complex interaction between concepts of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. The course will also consider and critique the methods used in the study of these concepts and issues related to the measurement of health among diverse groups. The ultimate goal of this examination is to assist students in developing an appreciation of diversity and the impact diversity has on assessments and study of health, health status, and health promotion in America. The course is also designed to integrate different sources of information about diversity by utilizing critical thinking skills for the consumption of health information. The educational objectives will be to enable students to: 1) Consider the implications of race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation on health/social policies in light of research findings, 2) Understand the legacies and historical events that have impacted our view, status, and treatment of diverse populations, 3) Appreciate the importance of understanding the origins of different health behaviors that impact biological processes, as well as the impact of biological processes in the context of social, environmental, and cultural influences when examining health issues.