COURSE INFORMATION
Health and Social Behavior

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.

EPH 286t. Implementing Prevention (Department of Epidemiology and Department of Health and Social Behavior)
Dr. G. Colditz, Dr. K Emmons
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week.

This course will cover issues ranging from the evidence underlying prevention recommendations to theory and practice of implementing prevention. First, we will examine the sources of evidence and how they are sythesized to inform recommendations for prevention. This will include a brief review of methods for research synthesis and the classification scheme used by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Strategies for prevention that address population-wide change in risk will be considered including action by health care providers, regulatory change, and individual and community changes. The theories underlying behavior change will be reviewed and examples of ongoing prevention interventions will be discussed. Risk assessment and risk communication will be addressed and examples from cancer and cardiovascular disease will be used for class assignments. Finally, students will review a prevention strategy of their own choice and outline a plan for action.
Course Note: Ordinal grading only.

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.

HSB 201a. Society and Health
Dr. I. Kawachi
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions and one 1-hour required lab each week.

Analyzes major social variables that affect population health: poverty, social class, gender, race, family, community, work, behavioral risks, and coping resources. Examines health consequences of social and economic policies, and the potential role of specific social interventions. Reviews empirical and theoretical literature on mechanisms and processes that mediate between social factors and their health effects, and discusses alternative models for advancing public health.
Course Activities: Short written assignments, class discussion, final term paper, final examination.
Course Note: Departmental requirement for the Department of Health and Social Behavior; students must register for course section with lab meeting time appropriate for their schedule.

HSB201s. Society and Health
Dr. I. Kawachi
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week.

Analyzes major social variables that affect population health: poverty, social class, gender, race, family, community, work, behavioral risks, and coping resources. Examines health consequences of social and economic policies, and the potential role of specific social interventions. Reviews empirical and theoretical literature on mechanisms and processes that mediate between social factors and their health effects, and discusses alternative models for advancing public health.
Course Activities: Short written assignments, class discussion, final examination.
Course Note: Departmental requirement for the Department of Health and Social Behavior.

[HSB 202a]. Innovative Strategies in Health Education
Dr. R. Rudd
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course focuses on selected social and behavior change theories and the translation of those theories into specific health education applications. Readings and discussions center on the development of theory-based strategies with an emphasis on issues of control, participation, efficacy, and empowerment. Case examples of health programs designed to address health issues and social inequalities add to the analysis process.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, participation in class discussion, reading portfolio, report.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; signature of instructor required; no auditors; ordinal grading option only.

HSB 204b. Communication in Health Care Settings
Dr. G. Barclay (P), Dr. L. Daltroy (S)
2.5 credits
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course will focus on theory and practice of health communication in the clinical encounter: doctor-patient communication, patient education, adherence to medical regimen, cognition and behavioral skills in chronic disease co-management, informed consent, and psychoeducational preparation for surgery.
Course Activities: Brief papers on readings, class discussions, role play, one presentation, one optional paper for extra credit.
Course Note: Clinician or social sciences background recommended; enrollment limited to 18 students; signature of instructor required.

[HSB207d.] Understanding Race, Ethnicity and Health: Perspectives from the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. N. Anderson
2.5 credits
Not offered 2001-2002.
Seminars, lectures. One 3-hour session each week.

Health outcomes in the U.S. vary dramatically as a function of race and ethnicity. The purpose of this course is to address the possible pathways by which such disparities in health and longevity arise at different stages in the life cycle. The course will highlight research that explores this issue from socio-cultural, behavioral and psychological, and bio-psycho-social perspectives, as well as ideas about the meaning of race and ethnicity in American society. Students will be asked to develop their own research ideas that might help illuminate the nature of specific health disparities.
Course Activities: Lectures, class presentations, discussion.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 20 students; signature of instructor required; no auditors.

[HSB 211ab]. Health Promotion through the Mass Media
To be announced
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002.
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.

Covers the development of public communication campaigns in the field of health promotion: assessing what the mass media can accomplish to promote health; designing mass media messages that are consonant with principles of behavioral science and the public health model; and strategic planning for integrated mass media campaigns.

HSB 212cd. Developing Radio Communications
Dr. B. Austin (P), Dr. R. Rudd (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

Covers the development and use of radio communications in public health. Participants create an original, broadcast quality radio commercial, moving from background research to scripting and final production.
Course Activities: One trip to a Boston recording studio; one trip to a Boston radio station. One-hour individual session at the recording studio with a professional announcer to produce the radio commercial.
Course Note: Preference given to students in the Department of Health and Social Behavior; enrollment limited to 15 students; signature of instructor required.

[HSB 214c]. Health Literacy
Dr. R. Rudd
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Seminar, practicum. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Focuses on the linkages between health and literacy and between health and adult education theory and methods. Participants hone skills assessing literacy demands in health communications. Structured fieldwork includes observation studies, interviews, small projects.
Course Note: Instructor's signature required; no auditors; ordinal grading option only.

HSB 215ab. History, Politics, and Public Health: Theories of Disease Distribution Across Time and Culture
Dr. N. Krieger
5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 3-hour session each week.

This course will focus on social and scientific contexts, content, and implications of diverse theories of disease distribution, both past and present. Theories covered range from ancient Greek, Chinese, Indian, African, Latin American and American Indian theories to miasma, contagion, germ theory, biomedical model, lifestyle, social production of disease, and ecosocial theory. The course will consider how these theories shape questions people ask about -- and explanations and interventions they offer for--patterns of health, disease, and well being in their societies. The goal is for students to develop a historical and critical perspective concerning current theories of disease distribution, and to incorporate this perspective into their public health research and projects.
Course Activities: Brief reaction papers on reading each week, class participation, one group project (textbook survey), one final paper.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students, with preference given to doctoral students in HSB; signature of instructor required; no auditors. This course is not expected to be taught in the 2002-2003 academic year so students are advised to plan accordingly.

HSB 220d. An Introduction to High-Risk Behaviors: Epidemiology, Prevention, and Public Policy
Dr. H. Wechsler
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.

Examines behaviors that place an individual at higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Focuses on epidemiology of smoking, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, violence, and unsafe driving. Emphasis is placed on societal factors that support these behaviors, as well as strategies and public policy approaches to prevention.
Course Activities: Term paper, class presentation.

HSB 221cd. Psychosocial Theories of Health and Health Behavior
Dr. K. Emmons, Dr. R. Wray
5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 3-hour session each week.

This is a doctoral-level course, designed to provide students with a conceptual grounding in theoretical approaches to health and health behavior. This course emphasizes the use of psycho-social theories in health-related research and includes an examination of Health Beliefs Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Learning Theory, the Transtheoretical Model, Prospect Theory/risk communication, control theory, social support, and social networks. Heuristic models designed to integrate these theoretical perspectives will be addressed.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, class participation, two papers, weekly concept papers, one individual presentation.
Course Note: HSB 201a required; enrollment is primarily for doctoral students and is limited to 15 students in total; master's students need instructors' permission; signature of instructor required.

HSB 225d. Health and Social Policy in the Workplace
Dr. J. Heymann
2.5 credits
Seminars. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week.

The course explores how health and social policies influence whether work helps or harms the health and welfare of individuals, families, and communities. Topic areas covered will include, among others: welfare policy, poverty policy, disability policy, sexual harassment in the workplace, family medical leave, role of individuals in policy formation, presidential politics, the executive branch, the role of Congress, role of unions and policy implementation.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students

[HSB 228a]. Psychosocial Aspects of Aging
To be announced
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002.
Seminars. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week.

This course will introduce students to a range of social, psychological, and ethical issues related to human aging. The main thread running through the course will be a discussion of what role public health should play in addressing the consequences of population aging, and how an understanding of social and psychological factors can inform that role. The course will be taught as a seminar with extensive student participation. Case-discussion methodology will also be utilized. Students will be asked to conduct semi-structured interviews with elderly persons living in the community or in institutionalized settings. Topics for consideration will include: institutionalized perceptions of aging and the elderly, productivity and vitality in late life, successful vs. usual patterns of aging, psychosocial intervention, and how social and psychological factors such as social networks and resiliency impact the health and functioning of the elderly.
Course Activities: Review of literature, class participation, seminar co-facilitation, community interviewing, analytic essay with class presentation.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15 students; 2nd year Masters status is preferred; no auditors; signature of instructor required.

HSB 229e. The Future of Health Communication: New Media and Emerging Technologies
Dr. K. Emmons, Mr. B. Glassman
1.25 credits
Five 3.5-hour sessions for one week.

Every day an average of five new Internet-connected devices are announced; more and more of them are wireless. Where will the high-quality health knowledge come from? How will we meet the health information needs of people with Web-connected car radios and cell-phones with browsers, while keeping in touch with people who must walk a mile for a pay phone? How can we predict and even shape the evolution of the technologies we will use to reach those at risk? How can we hold anyone's attention in a world of individually tailored, high-speed virtual reality? What will the health information consumers of 2010 require of us? This class will pose and address these questions, in the context of key public health problems. Participants will learn to detect and understand the earliest signals from the creators of new technologies, to forge partnerships with technology innovators, to develop, package and store information in ways that will make it optimally accessible by many kinds of devices, and to design and build their own innovative delivery systems where necessary.
Course Activities: Class participation, leading an in-class discussion.
Course Note: Minimum enrollment of 5 students required; pass/fail grading option only.

HSB 231c. Community Intervention Research Methods
Dr. J. Allen (P), Dr. G. Sorensen (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures. Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.

This course is designed to provide students with skills in intervention research design and methodology. This course will provide an overview of research designs for community studies, application of theoretical models to intervention and evaluation design, linking study design to intervention planning, measurement of outcomes, establishment of community partnerships for intervention planning and implementation, and qualitative/formative research methods. Emphasis is on domestic examples of randomized trials.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, class participation, term paper.
Course Note: Graduate course in program design or program planning required (e.g. HSB 227cd, HSB 202a, or MCM 215cd); enrollment limited to 20 students; signature of instructor required.

HSB 233a. HSB Department Proseminar
Dr. D. Acevedo-Garcia
2.5 credits
Seminar. Two 2-hour session each week.

The course focuses on the research and projects of the faculty in HSB. Presentations will cover examples of social epidemiology, intervention and policy research. Readings and presentations offer an overview of assumptions, theories, and methods. Student groups will be responsible for structuring discussion for a particular session and all participants will submit reflection papers and a final project.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, participation in class discussion, short reflection papers, final report.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to HSB students, signature of instructor required, ordinal grading option only.

HSB 234d. Qualitative Research Methods for Public Health
Dr. E. Barbeau
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 3-hour session each week.

Qualitative research can be used alone or in combination with quantitative research to investigate public health questions. This introductory-level course begins by examining when it is appropriate to use qualitative methods in public health research. The course then explores specific topics, including: developing research questions, sampling, data collection methods (focusing on interviews, focus groups, observation and document review), data management and analysis, and combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. Students will be required to apply concepts covered in class through an assignment to collect and analyze qualitative data.
Course Activities: Class discussion, primary data collection and analysis using a qualitative research method.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; signature of instructor required.

[HSB 235c]. Social Epidemiology
Dr. L. Berkman
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002.
Lectures, seminars. One 3-hour session each week.

The course will focus on understanding the social determinants of health. Readings and discussion center on understanding the theories, measurement and empirical evidence related to specific social conditions and experiences such as socioeconomic position, discrimination, social networks and support, work conditions, ecological level neighborhood and community social conditions, and social and economic policies. Biological and psychological mechanisms by which social conditions influence health will be discussed. The course builds on a basic understanding of society and health and of epidemiology. Students will be required to present in class and evaluate methods and measures.
Course Activities: Assigned readings; class presentations and discussions; term paper.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 20 students; HSB 201a, EPI 200a (or EPI 201a), EPI 202b and HSB 215ab required; no auditors.

HSB 240ab. Social and Behavioral Research Methods, Part I
Dr. S. Gortmaker
5 credits
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Provides a broad overview of social and behavioral research methodology, including experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental research design, measurement, sampling, data collection, and testing causal theories. By case studies, methodological readings, discussion, written assignments, and data analytic homeworks students learn to conduct social and behavioral research and more applied program evaluations. Homework includes analytic work with observational and experimental studies and development of new measures.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, class participation, homeworks, reflections, two papers.
Course Note: BIO 210cd, BIO 211cd or BIO 213ab or equivalent required; enrollment limited to 20; a multivariate statistics course strongly recommended; course primarily for doctoral students.

HSB 241cd. Social and Behavioral Research Methods, Part II
Dr. V. Sankaranarayanan (P), Dr. I. Kawachi (S)
5 credits
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course is divided into two sections. The "c" period is designed to integrate methods training by providing students an opportunity to manage and analyze data in the "real world." Using data drawn from several sources, students will employ basic data management strategies and multivariate analytic techniques used commonly in research. Topics covered include data management and preparation, scale construction, working with complex sampling designs, and multivariate modeling using both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. This course will be a seminar and will emphasize hands-on participation, and group problem solving. During the "d" period students will develop a research protocol following an NIH format. Major attention is given to developing research hypotheses, proposing precise methods including describing the sample, measures, study design, and analytic techniques. Field methods, budgets and budget justifications will be written. Each proposal will then be reviewed by a group of expert faculty following the format of an NIH site visit.
Course Activities: Data management and analysis projects, research protocol preparation and class participation including presentations.
Course Note: HSB 240ab required; previously offered HSB 230cd fulfills prerequisite; minimum enrollment of 5 students required; course primarily for doctoral students

HSB 249b. Approaches to International Tobacco Control
Dr. I. Kawachi
2.5 credits
To be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Prepares students to apply training in epidemiology, statistics, management and policy for development of comprehensive public health programs to curb tobacco use. Tobacco industry global structure, marketing, political strategies and world expansion are discussed. Guest speakers describe health policy and program interventions including taxation, marketing restrictions, protection of non-smokers, public education, litigation and cessation programs.
Course Activities: Class debates; final term paper.

[HSB 250c.] Inequality and Health
Dr. B. Kennedy
2.5 credits
Not offered 2001-2002.
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

Socioeconomic inequalities in health are large, widespread and persistent. The aims of this course are: to review the major theories of social stratification - from economic, political, and sociologic perspectives; to examine the epidemiologic evidence on social class, gender, and racial disparities in health and illness; and to develop an inter-disciplinary approach to analyze the problem of inequality.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; signature of instructor required; preference given to doctoral students.

HSB 259cd. HSB Masters Seminar
Dr. N. Anderson, Dr. M. Arnold
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.

This course focuses on the masters students' culminating experience and includes attention to career development and the preparation of the masters students' final paper as defined in the HSB handbook. Students will share career plans and strategies for entering the next phase of their work, will present and analyze their field work and internship experiences, and will share early drafts of their final paper.
Course Activities: Assigned readings and activities, participation in class discussion, final paper.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to second year HSB master students; signature of instructor required; ordinal grading option only; no auditors.

HSB 269ab. Doctoral Seminar on Health and Social Behavior
Dr. S. Gortmaker
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 1-hour session each week.

Overview of the major research questions pursued by doctoral students in health and social behavior. Requirement for all 1st year HSB doctoral students.
Course Activities: Doctoral student participants lead seminars, discussing their research ideas and plans, including their theoretical perspective.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; signature of instructor required indicating suitable background if student is not a doctoral student in the Department of Health and Social Behavior.

HSB 270cd. Doctoral Seminar on Health and Social Behavior
Dr. S. Gortmaker
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 1-hour session each week.

Overview of the major questions pursued by doctoral students in health and social behavior. Requirement for all 1st year HSB doctoral students.
Course Activities: Doctoral student participants lead seminars, discussing their research ideas and plans, including their theoretical perspective.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; signature of instructor required indicating suitable background if student is not a doctoral student in the Department of Health and Social Behavior.

[HSB 292c]. Policy Analysis Methods for Public Health
Dr. D. Acevedo-Garcia
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002.
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course is targeted towards students who plan to work in policy roles upon graduation. The goal of the course is to build the skills necessary to critically assess the design, results and recommendations of health research that examines policy questions or has policy implications. The course will focus on providing an introduction to the following policy analysis methods: decision analysis, economic analysis (e.g. cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness), application of statistical approaches (e.g. regression analysis) to policy questions, application of qualitative approaches (e.g. case studies) to policy questions, and political analysis of policy making. Examples will be drawn from research on various policies that may have effects on public health (e.g. federal policies restricting funding for needle exchange programs, local policies to prevent alcohol abuse). Policy analysis methods will be introduced by the instructor to provide a framework for a critical class discussion of the assigned readings, which are applications of the various methods.
Course Activities: Two in-class, critical reviews of the methods and policy recommendations of two policy research papers or policy reports with a focus on identifying methodological problems and unsound policy recommendations; classroom participation.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 30 students; signature of instructor required.

HSB 293d. Place, Migration and Health
Dr. D. Acevedo-Garcia
2.5 credits
Lecture, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.

This course examines some features of spatial population distribution (e.g. residential segregation by race, concentration of poverty) and population movement (e.g. immigrant adaptation) that may influence health outcomes. The emphasis of the course is on understanding the public policies that may have shaped those features and the policies that are used or may be used to modify them (e.g. housing mobility policies, immigrant policies). The course has three objectives: (1) to introduce students to the substance of the relevant policies; (2) to review the available empirical evidence on the effect that those policies may have on health outcomes; and (3) to encourage students to develop research questions and research designs, and to identify data sets that would allow us to better examine the health effects of those policies.
Course Activities: In-class discussions of assigned readings, two short (i.e. 5-10 double spaced page) papers outlining a place/migration policy and its possible effects on health outcomes.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; signature of instructor required.

HSB 295d. Health and Social Policy Doctoral Seminar
Dr. J. Heymann
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.

For social research to more positively affect people's lives, researchers need to better understand how research gets translated into action. The goal of this course is to help doctoral students wrestle with how the design and implementation of their own research influences its utility. This seminar will examine successes and failures in the translation of research to programs and policy and apply these lessons to students' own research. Students will be assigned readings on the translation of research into policies and programs. Each student will work on their own research projects, which they will present to the class.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, individual research project presentations, class participation, paper.
Course note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; no auditors; instructor's signature required; course best taken after methodology courses completed and students have doctoral research topic. However, some Master's students will be accepted based on instructor's evaluation/ approval.

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

An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go beyond the content of the regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic; pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.

HSB 301a,b,c,d,e,s. Tutorial
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.

Course Note: Completed study contract is required at the time of registration; maximum of 5 credits per topic; pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.

HSB 350a,b,c,d,e,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.

HSB 400 a,b,c,d,e,s. Non- Resident 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.

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.

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.

PSB 205cd. Disaster Management (Department of Population and International Health and the Department of Health and Social Behavior)
Dr. J. Leaning
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.

Designed for physicians or public health officers who may be charged with responsibility for on-the-scene, immediate acute intervention during disasters. The focus will be on decision-making under stress, examining U.S. and international case studies within the theoretical framework of disaster planning, response, and assessment.
Course Activities: Requirements include readings from syllabus and short list of required tests as well as a final paper.

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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