Sustainability, Health and Health Care.

Catalog description

Semester course; 2 lecture and 1 research hours (delivered online). 3 credits. This course will examine the issue of sustainability as it relates to the health care industry using a multidisciplinary lens, with a focus on solutions. Students will review what is known about the extent of climate change, its impact – both direct and indirect – on health, the distribution of that impact on different demographic groups, the economic and political actions that got us to this place, and the possible paths to a more stable climate future. Because the health care industry is heavily affected by climate change and is also a major contributor to it, most of the materials will specifically examine the impact on and the actions of this industry. The course will be primarily online, with no less than bi-weekly assignments and interactions. Reading materials and videos will be complemented by narrated slide presentations created by the instructor. Students will be expected to complete a number of written assignments, including some interaction on a discussion board. The major project for the course will be completed by students in groups, with an option for an individual project for students unable to participate in a group assignment. Students will meet with the instructor in the classroom at two points in the semester: a two-hour session in week one, and a session in the final week for groups to present the results of their projects. The number of hours for this session will be determined by the number of students and projects.