Introduction to Global Health

The class is an introduction to the field of global health. It focuses on resource-poor areas of the world and explores how human health is affected by poverty, international policy, planetary health, economic development, human rights, and power imbalances. We will examine global health from broad perspectives: historical, cultural, political, demographic, economic and biomedical. The course is intended for students interested in human health, international relations, and technical and social strategies to improve health worldwide. Students will have opportunities for in-depth discussion, presentations, and interaction with experts in the field. Because of the breadth of material to be covered, issues presented in class will be supplemented by independent student research and selected required readings.