COURSE INFORMATION
Maternal and Child Health

 
 
 

EMH 218d. Environmental and Social Risk Factors for Psychiatric Disorders (Departments of Epidemiology, Health and Social Behavior and Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. S. Buka, Dr. L. Berkman, Dr. J. Murphy
1.25 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.

Reviews the major environmental and social risks for psychiatric disorders of children, youth and adults. Lectures will address current theories of gene-environmental interaction for psychiatric illness, and both biological and psychosocial mechanisms linking environmental risks with psychiatric disorders. Topics include prenatal complications; childhood trauma; social networks and social support; critical life events; culture, ethnicity and religion; social class; and community influences. Major epidemiologic studies of these topics are presented. This course is in the psychiatric epidemiology track.
Course Activities: Class discussion, final paper.


HMP 200b. Methods for Research on Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Public Health (Department of Health and Social Behavior, Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. L. Kubzansky, Dr. S. Buka
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 1-hour sessions and one 2-hour required lab each week.

Introduces methodology to explore fundamental social and behavioral science concepts and theories useful in understanding social influences on health status. The course emphasizes quantitative research methods in social sciences applied to social and behavioral issues in public health research. Major attention is given to methodology from sociology and psychology in their application to public health problems.
Course Activities: One synthesis paper (3-5 pages); discussions; one exam and one research project.
Course Note: Departmental requirement for the Department of Health and Social Behavior; specifically geared to HSB students in the MPH and other professional master's degree programs; students must register for course section with lab meeting time appropriate for their schedule.


HPC 226e. Urban Violence in America (Department of Health Policy and Management and the Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. D. Prothrow-Stith, Dr. H. Spivak, and Dr. A. Browne
1.25 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 3-hour sessions.

This course will take an interdisciplinary approach to the causes and possible remedies for the epidemic of violence in the US. There is a specific emphasis on the public health approach to violence prevention and the benefit of over two decades of public health work. Recent school shootings adn the rates of girls committing acts of violence, both indicate a continued need for public health professionals to understand and address these topics.
Course Activities: Seminar discussions with course professors and invited violence prevention practitioners.
Course Note: Interest in injury prevention and public policy recommended; enrollment limited to 20 students from the School of Public Health. Pass/Fail only.


HPC 242c. Politics and Strategies for Change in Health Policy (Department of Health Policy and Management and the Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. R. Blendon
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This is a course for public health professionals who want their work to have a real impact on health policy decision-making. You will learn how to develop political strategies for influencing health care policy, and how political analysis can improve health policy research and its implementation at the national, state and local levels. Topics include political strategy; lobbying and special interest groups; the media and public opinion; campaigns, elections, and health policy; building coalitions; and grass roots advocacy.


HPC 506a. The Practice of Public Health in the United States (Department of Health Policy and Management and the Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. D. Prothrow-Stith, Dr. M. Brown, Dr. I. Aitken, Ms. J. Kurland
1.25 credits
Lectures, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.

This course will introduce students to the governmental health care, legal,and private sector infrastructures established for the delivery of public health in the United States. Students are introduced to the three core functions of public health: assessment, assurance, and policy development. Also, the roles of medicine, three branches of government, private sector, community and civic associations, and academia in supporting the core functions of public health are reviewed. The course provides students with the capacity to understand the full range of professional and academic endeavors contributing to the public health infrastructure of the United States.
Course Note: This course is a prerequisite for ID 264cd: Practice of Family and Community Health.


HSM227cd. Planned Social Change (Department of Health and Social Behavior and Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. R. Rudd
5.0 credits
To be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Introduces a disciplined and theory based approach to program planning and evaluation. Applies social science principles to community assessment, program design, and a three staged evaluation for health related programs of planned social change.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, participation in class discussion, one brief essay, paper.
Course Note: Ordinal grading option only; signature of instructor required.


ID 260b. Practice of Family and Community Health, Part I (Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. I. Aitken, Ms. J. Kurland
1.25 credits
Seminars.

This is a required preparatory course for ID264cd, the field work component of the Practice of Family and Community Health. Seminars explore the practice of public and community health through case studies and readings. They will also review essential skills required for the implementation of group field work projects.
Course Activities: Seminars.
Course Note: Acceptance into the MPH concentration in Family and Community Health or signature of instructor required. HPC506a also required.


ID 264cd. Practice of Family and Community Health (Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. I. Aitken, Ms. J. Kurland
2.5 credits
Field studies, seminars.

Addresses the professional training needs of MPH students who plan to pursue leadership positions in the public sector or in community health. Students, in small groups, undertake fieldwork in public or community health agencies. They apply managerial and analytic techniques developed in the concentration to the solution of problems confronting these agencies. Student groups meet with advisers from HSPH and their host agency throughout the field placement. Seminars explore the practice of public and community health through case studies and readings.
Course Activities: Field work, written and oral project report.
Course Note: Acceptance into the MPH concentration in Family and Community Health or signature of instructor required. HPC506a also required.


[MCE 223c.] Child and Adolescent Mental Disorders: Public Health Perspectives (Department of Maternal and Child Health and the Department of Epidemiology)
Dr. S. Buka, Dr. D. Kindlon
1.25 credits
Not offered 2001-2002.
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

Examines the occurrence and known risk factors of selected mental disorders of childhood and adolescence, including drug abuse, depression, conduct disorder, and suicide. Emphasizes the methodological issues of case definition, disorder classification, current diagnostic and screening instruments, and the advantages/disadvantages of available data sources. Readings include studies selected to illustrate methodological options and usefulness for public health research.


MCH 201ab,cd. Public Health Practice in Maternal and Child Health
Dr. I. Aitken
5 credits
Field studies, seminars.

The purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity to apply research skills in a field situation; to gain knowledge and experience in conducting needs assessments, presenting data for policy decisions, evaluating programs; and, to gain experience in the organization and management of public health programs.
Course Note: No auditors; HSPH degree candidates only. May be taken in either fall or spring term. Pass/Fail Only.


MCH 203c. Analysis of Secondary Data
Dr. M. Ganz
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course introduces students to methods of access to and analysis of the data sets that are relevant to and commonly used by MCH researchers. Students will learn about the problems associated with using secondary data and with the analytic methods needed to correctly test hypotheses with these data. The focus is on preparing students to perform and critique secondary data analyses. Students will complete short written and computer-based assignments and will complete a short term paper.
Course Note: A brief interview with Dr. Ganz and signature of instructor is required prior to first class. Class enrollment limited to maximum of 10 students.


MCH 204ab. Maternal and Child Health Issues, Programs and Policies
Dr. M. McCormick, Dr. M.J. Brown
5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Components of health care programs for mothers and children are discussed in the context of growth and maturational processes, historical and legislative background, and social, mental health, and educational policies. Health programs appropriate to prenatal, early and late childhood, adolescence, and youth are presented in terms of the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary action required to improve the health status of populations. Includes discussion of factors that shape current and future maternal and child health policies. Topics include infant mortality and low birthweight, maternal health and mortality, services for children with special health care needs, school health, child abuse, intentional and unintentional injury, and AIDS.
Course Activities: Group class presentations, cases and class discussion, written reports.


[MCH 206a.] Maternal and Child Health in Developing Countries
Dr. M. Farrell
2.5 credits
Not offered 2001-2002.
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course focuses on selected methods and skills essential to assess, plan, design, implement, and evaluate proposals, projects and programs for women and children in developing countries. The course follows the actual processes international teams use to maximize the contribution of team members, interact with country counterparts, and ensure programming for this vulnerable population. Videos, in-country interviews and transcripts and other visual and auditory media are used to familiarize the student with the population under study.
Course Activities: Lectures, team work, use of country specific audio-visual materials, interaction with international experts, preparation of case presentation.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15 students; no auditors.


MCH 208b. Adolescent Health (Cross-listed at HSE as H-325)
Dr. J. Kulig, Dr. B. Kennedy
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Adolescent health, risk behaviors, prevention and intervention programs will be examined in relation to adolescent physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development. Topics will include theories of behavioral change, access to health care, guidelines for preventive services, outcomes research, health policy, and alternative sites for care. Risk behaviors, including injury, violence, suicide, substance use and sexuality will be explored. Focus will be domestic, with examples of federal, state, and community-based adolescent health initiatives.
Course Activities: Case discussions, classroom role playing, writing memoranda.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 20 students; instructor's signature required.


MCH 209c. Services for Children with Disabilities
Dr. A. Crocker, Dr. D. Helm
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Looks at how service programs in the disability field are put together, supported, and evaluated. Uses outside guests from community programs for many sessions.
Course Activities: Each student visits an active program site and reports on management issues.
Course Note: An interest in children with special needs is expected: enrollment limited to 20 students; signature of instructor required.


MCH 211cd. Women, Health, and Development: Reconciling Science and Policy
Ms. N. Swenson
2.5 credits
Seminars, lectures. One 2-hours session each week.

The course surveys selected contemporary women's health issues. Because women and children either native born or immigrant, rural or urban and in either industrialized or developing countries are the majority of the poor, we will focus on the common issues of economic development and the impact of laws and customs on the health of women and their families. Through written and oral testimonies and policy letters students will be able to develop advocacy and policy analysis, skills using methods such as epidemiological review, gender analysis, media monitoring and introduction to evidence based medicine in medical technologies for healthy women.
Course Activities: Discussion, guest lecturers, preparing and delivering testimonies, and school-wide video showings/discussions (optional). Materials include readings and web sites, sample testimonies.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 20 students; signature of instructor required.


MCH 212ab. Developmental Disabilities, Part I: Evaluation, Assessment, Families & Systems
Dr. D. Helm, Dr. A. Crocker
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

The course focuses on issues facing professionals who work with people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the system whereby services are offered. Materials are organized with a developmental format in mind. Emphasis for first half of semester will be on understanding the professionals' role in diagnosing, evaluating, and assessing children who have developmental disabilities or who are at high risk of acquiring them. Specific discussions of families and services will highlight the second half of the semester.


MCH 213d. Childbirth: Health Policy and Epidemiology
Dr. B. Sachs, Dr. D. K. Richardson, Dr. E. Lieberman
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

Explores issues affecting childbirth services, including prenatal care, maternal health, pregnancy complications, obstetric technologies, personnel, access, financing and neonatal care. The course uses epidemiologic data to address perinatal health policy.
Course Note: Medical or nursing training, PIM 233b, or permission of the instructor required.


MCH 214cd. Developmental Disabilities, Part II: Values, Policy and Change
Dr. D. Helm, Dr. A. Crocker
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

The course focuses on the community, system and leadership components of developmental disabilities and focuses on the value placed on and enhancing the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. It draws from, but is independent of MCH 212ab. Course materials are presented by leading experts in the field who will provide the content for each session. Issues of systems change and policy implications are stressed while understanding disabilities from the person's and families' perspective is maintained.


MCH 219d. Research Methods in Maternal and Child Health
Dr. M. McCormick
2.5 credits
To be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures. One 4-hour session each week.

This course is designed to provide an overview of research methods appropriate to maternal and child health through lectures. Topics will include use of vital statistics, confidential perinatal inquiry, admission severity scores, child health status measures, and methods of ascertaining rare populations.
Course Activities: Presentation, discussion, written report.
Course Note: Course enrollment is limited to 25 students; signature of the instructor required.


MCH 220b. Society and its Effect on Child Health
Dr. J. Palfrey, Dr. R. Samuels
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 4-hour session each week.

This course is intended to provide an in-depth study of some of the ways society effects children's health in the United States. Issues covered include: the effects of poverty on health and public policy impact on chronic illness. Other areas covered will be determined by the students from the broad areas of ethnicity, violence, families, HIV and drug abuse. Students will narrow the focus of the broad topic to an area they are interested in presenting to the class.
Course Note: The course is intended for students of a broad range of disciplines interested in child health issues, who have not necessarily had extensive training in maternal and child health. Students should also be interested in learning about curriculum development and improving their ability to teach in small groups. Minimum enrollment of 8, maximum enrollment of 18, instructor's signature required. No auditors.


MCH 222d. Social Services for Children, Adolescents and Families
Ms. L. Tieszen (P), Dr. E. Newberger
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Presents the crucial role of social services in maintaining and promoting the health of children and their families. Beginning with a historical overview of social services in the U.S., the course examines current political trends that structure the content and delivery of social services. The social and psychological determinants of the need for social services focus on events of public health relevance, including poverty in childhood, adoption/foster care, family violence, day care, and services for children with HIV infection.
Course Activities: Seminar discussion based on current policy, case discussions and student presentations.


MCH 225a. Gender-based Violence: Origins and Remedies
Dr. L. McCloskey
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

This course will center on the cultural origins of gender-based violence and the public health implications and remedies. Topics will include relationship violence and state-supported policies of violence against women and gays. Cross-cultural work will figure prominently in the course readings.
Course Note: Enrollment is limited to 25 students. This course is open to graduate students only from departments and schools throughout the university.


MCH 228d. Child Abuse and Neglect: Public Health Perspectives
Dr. L. McCloskey
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

Child abuse and neglect underlies infant mortality and mental health problems extending into adulthood. Defining and preventing child abuse remains paradoxical. This course will examine the literature on cross-cultural definitions and origins of child maltreatment. The class will also discuss approaches to prevention and examine the role of public health in this widespread threat to children's health and well-being.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students.



MCH 233d. Public Health Genetics: Contemporary Issues and Challenges
Ms. R. Blatt
1.25 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.

The commercialization of molecular genetic research raises numerous scientific, ethical, legal and social issues for which public health specialists must be prepared. This course will utilize case studies to focus on developments in molecular biology and genetic medicine and to explore their impact on biomedical research, health care delivery, and public health policy and regulation.
Course Activities: Students are expected to do all required readings and complete one class project.
Course Note: Enrollment is open to all HSPH students. No prior knowledge of genetics or molecular biology is required.


MCH290abcd. MCH Doctoral Seminar
Dr. E. Lieberman
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 1-hour session each week.

Weekly seminar on research topics in Maternal and Child Health. Required course for MCH doctoral degree students.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only


MCH 295ab. Oral Health Policy
1.25 credits
Dr. J. Reede, Dr. M. Allukian, Dr. C. Douglass
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session every other week.

Health care delivery in the United States is undergoing rapid change, with implications for health professionals, patients, institutions and communities. In particular, recent research has elucidated racial disparities in oral health. Thus, this course explores public policy issues impacting the oral health status of minority and disadvantaged populations, with special emphasis on problem identification, policy analysis, and program planning. Participants will engage with faculty members at Harvard as well as key minority health policy leaders, from both the public and private sectors, to explore current and future oral health policy affecting minority and disadvantaged populations. In addition, a major focus will be strategies for career development in the area of oral health policy.
Course Note: Signature of instructor required, class held at Harvard Medical School.


MCH 297ab. Leadership in Minority Health Policy
Dr. J. Reede, Dr. R. King
1.25 credits
Seminar. One 2-hour session every other week.

Students will engage with faculty members at Harvard as well as key minority health policy leaders from both the public and private sectors to develop leadership skills required for effective performance in the areas of public health practice and public policy. A major focus will be strategies for career development in the area of minority health policy.
Course Activities: Students will be required to submit papers describing how they would apply the learning from the seminar to enhance their own leadership abilities and career development.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15 students; enrollment requires interview with the assistant to Dr. Reede (164 Longwood Avenue); signature of instructor required, class held at Harvard Medical School.


MCH 298cd. Issues in Minority Health Policy
Dr. J. Reede, Dr. R. King
2.5 credits
Seminar. One 2-hour session each week.

This course explores public policy issues impacting the health status of minority and disadvantaged populations, with special emphasis on problem identification, policy analysis, and program planning. Participants will engage with faculty members at Harvard as well as key minority health policy leaders from both the public and private sectors to explore current and future policy affecting minority and disadvantaged populations.
Course Activities: Students will be required to submit papers, describing in what way they would apply the learning from the seminar to enhance their own leadership abilities and career development, and a final paper discussing a health policy issue or a topic impacting minority populations.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15 students; enrollment requires interview with the assistant to Dr. Reede (164 Longwood Avenue); signature of instructor required.


MCH 300a,b,c,d,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.


MCH301 a,b,c,d, Tutorial
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.


MCH 306abcd. Clinical Effectiveness Seminar
Dr. D. Goldmann, Dr. J. Perrin, Dr. J. Finkelstein, Dr. S. Muret- Wagstaff, Dr. T. Lieu
1.25 credits
Seminar. One 1.5-hour session each week.

This series of weekly seminars covers a broad spectrum of topics with content or methodologic relevance to research in child health services. The seminar series is coordinated by the Clinical Effectiveness Program at Children's Hospital together with The Division of General Pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital and The Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention, Harvard Medical School. Speakers include faculty in and around the Harvard Medical Area as well as visiting speakers.
Course Note: Pass/Fail option only; signature of instructor required.


[MCH 308d]. Infant Assessment in the Context of Prenatal Exposures
Dr. E. Tronick
Not to be given 2001-2002.
1.25 credits
Tutorial.

This tutorial focuses on observations of infant neurobehavioral assessment and several other assessments of older infants and children (e.g., attachment, mastery motivation, Bayley examination) in the laboratory. The student will observe Research Assistants carrying out these procedures, do reading on their own, and set aside time to discuss the observations. Times are flexible. Newborn observations occur almost every day at the Brigham and Women's and the other procedures occur many days of the week at our labs at 1295 Boylston. The student is responsible for arranging the observation times with Research Assistants.
Course Note: Pass/fail only; instructor's signature required.


MCH 350a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.

For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of instructor required.


[MCN 200c]. Physical Growth and Development, Part I (Department of Maternal and Child Health and the Department of Nutrition)
Dr. K. Peterson
Not offered 2001-2002; taught even years.
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Provides an introduction to the principles and assessment of physical growth, development and maturation that are the basis for monitoring the health of populations of children from conception through adolescence. Selection, measurement, and interpretation of anthropometric indicators of growth are discussed in detail. Public health implications of the study of growth and development are also considered, including reference growth curves, secular trends in obesity, maturation, and stature; and strategies for individual and population-based growth monitoring in the U.S. and in international settings.
Course Activities: Seminar participation.
Course Note: Knowledge of basic biology recommended.


[MCN 207ab.] Nutrition in Child Growth and Development (Department of Maternal and Child Health and the Department of Nutrition)
Dr. J. Dwyer
Not offered 2001-2002.
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.

Examines principles and practical problems encountered in developing policies and programs involving nutritional issues, growth and development. Lectures on general principles or elements of nutrition provide background setting for policy and are designed to help students base their judgments on scientific evidence. Discussions involve case studies of recent relevant policy issues in industrialized and developing countries. Student papers, presentations and discussions focus on either policy or scientific issues of importance.
Course Activities: Lectures, video presentations, case studies, and discussion, student presentations.


[MCN 217d]. Nutritional Surveillance (Department of Maternal and Child Health and the Department of Nutrition)
Dr. K. Peterson
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Theoretical and practical issues guiding the design and implementation of U.S. and international nutritional surveillance systems will be covered, including purposes for data collected, indicators of nutritional status for high risk groups, methodological issues affecting the choice of indicators and interpretation of nutritional surveillance data. Students will develop competence in the application of nutritional surveillance data through case studies and the design of a nutritional surveillance system tailored to a community of the student's choosing.
Course Activities: Class discussion, oral group presentations, written paper.
Course Notes: MCN200c, NUT210cd or MCN207ab recommended; introductory biostatistics and epidemiology courses or signature of instructor required.


MCS 210ab. Personality and Cognitive Development: Application to Public Health (Department of Maternal and Child Health and the Department of Health and Social Behavior)
Dr. D. Kindlon
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.

Basic principles of child development are examined within a public health frame of reference. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of the theories of Bronfenbrenner, Skinner, Erickson and others, especially as they relate to understanding interventions for public health problems, including behavior problems and non-organic mental retardation.
Course Activities: Class discussion, class presentation, term paper.


PIM 233b. Biological and Clinical Foundations of Reproductive Health (Department of Population and International Health and Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. I. Aitken
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course provides an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction, and covers the essential clinical features of common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and reproductive tract infections. It also includes discussion of the modes of action of the different types of contraceptives and clinical procedures for abortion. The course is designed to prepare students with no clinical background for subsequent course work in reproductive health and is a prerequisite for PIM 234d and PIM 238c.


PIM 234d. Maternal and Perinatal Health Care in Developing Countries (Department of Population and International Health and Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. I. Aitken
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course will first provide an in-depth study of the biology and epidemiology of maternal and perinatal health problems in developing countries. Particular attention will be given to evaluating the absolute and relative importance of the main causes of obstetric morbidity and mortality and of low birthweight. The course will then discuss and evaluate the effectiveness of strategies like risk-screening, prenatal care, and emergency obstetric care in preventing or managing these problems. The information will be used to consider appropriate policies and programs in specific country case studies.
Course Note: PIM 233b or equivalent background in reproductive physiology and clinical sciences or signature of instructor required.


PIM 238c. Family Planning and Sexually Transmitted Infection Control in Developing Countries (Department of Population and International Health and Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. I. Aitken, Dr. S. Kapiga.
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, and case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course will examine the biological, epidemiological, social and organizational bases of programs for family planning and the control of sexually transmitted infections. It will consider the scope for and the implications of integration of these programs as mandated by the Cairo Programme of Action. It will also explore the effects and implications of different aspects of health sector reform on policy-making and program management.
Course Note: PIM 233b or equivalent background in reproductive physiology and clinical sciences or signature of instructor required.


WGH 200c. Women, Gender and Health (Departments of Health and Social Behavior, Population and International Health, Maternal and Child Health and Epidemiology)
Dr. N. Krieger, Dr. S. Gruskin
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.

This course will focus on constructions of gender and sex and their implications for understanding determinants of population health and creating healthy public policy. It will consider how different frameworks of addressing gender and biological sex shape questions asked and explanations and interventions offered for societal patterns of health, disease, and well-being. The course will demonstrate ways of conceptualizing gender in relation to biology and health using case examples pertaining to breast cancer, smoking, cumulative trauma disorders of hands and wrists, HIV/AIDS, violence, access to health services, sexual health, reproductive health, and population policy. In all these cases, issues of gender will be related to other social determinants of health, including social class, racism, and other forms of inequality. Implications of diverse approaches will be debated, as part of developing useful strategies for improving physical, mental, and social well-being.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; signature of instructor required; no auditors.


WGH 207d. Advanced Topics in Women, Gender and Health (Departments of Maternal and Child Health, Health and Social Behavior, Population and International Health, and Epidemiology)
Dr. L. McCloskey
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

This interdepartmental, interdisciplinary seminar will offer the chance to analyze ways by which diverse constructs of gender influence public health research and practice. Using different examples each week, the core WGH faculty and students will focus on how gender contributes to classifying, surveying, understanding and intervening on population distributions of health, disease, and well-being. Discussion of these examples will draw on different disciplines, conceptual frameworks, and methodological approaches (both quantitative and qualitative). For example, traditional epidemiological and biostatistical methods, along with multilevel, ecosocial, and health and human rights frameworks will be applied, as appropriate, in the assessment of gender-based health related disorders. The format will include formal presentations and informal discussions.
Course Note: One graduate-level course on women, gender and health, including reproductive health, i.e. WGH200 required. Minimum enrollment of 5; maximum enrollment of 20; instructor's signature required. Pass/failing grading option only.


WGH 210b. Women, Gender and Health: Critical Issues in Mental Health (Departments of Maternal and Child Health, Health and Social Behavior and Population and International Health)
Dr. B. Gottlieb
1.25 credits
Lecture, seminar. One 2-hour session each week.

This course explores issues relevant to mental illness, mental health from a gender perspective. Course themes include illness constructs, life cycle and transitions, collective and individual trauma, role and relationship and embodiment. Topics include eating disorders, pain, hormonally mediated mood disorders, and victimization and will highlight examples from US and international experience. Readings will be multidisciplinary, including public health and medicine, social sciences, history and literature.
Course Activities: Includes a student final project.
Course Note: Minimum enrollment of 5 students; no auditors.




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