COURSE INFORMATION
Global Health and Population
GHP211 Management Control in Health Organizations
Fall 2
Dr. M. Mitchell
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is designed for students interested in learning about finance and management of health care in low and middle income countries. The focus will be on the development of knowledge and skills that are needed by managers of health care organizations in a variety of settings. It will cover a broad range of topics including cost analysis, budgeting and control, financial analysis, revenue generation, and performance monitoring. While some theory will be presented, this course will emphasize practical applications of the techniques discussed through the use of the case study method. Although no prior education in financial or managerial accounting is required to take this course, students without any prior training will be expected to do extra work to learn the basics of financial accounting.
Course Note: Students who have or are taking HPM219 or HPM220 may not take this course for credit.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP214 Health, Human Rights, and the International System
Fall 2
Dr. S. Marks
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
This course is designed to provide an overview of the way international institutions deal with health and human rights issues. Focus will be on the responses of the United Nations system, including the World Health Organization (WHO), regional organizations, and non-state actors to some of the pressing issues of health from a human rights perspective. Issues to be explored include: mother-to-child transmission of HIV and ARV drug pricing in Africa; traditional practices, such as female genital cutting (FGC); forced sterilization and rights of indigenous people in Latin America; accountability for mass violations of human rights; health of child workers; and international tobacco control. Among the international institutions to be examined are the WHO, UNAIDS, the World Trade Organization (WTO), UNESCO, the Council of Europe, the Organization of American States, the World Bank, and the International Criminal Court (ICC). The principal teaching method is simulation of actual cases, in which students prepare and present positions of various protagonists, based on research into those positions. The ultimate aim of the course is to prepare students to work for and interact professionally with international institutions to advance the health and human rights objectives, whether through governmental, intergovernmental or nongovernmental processes. (5.06)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP218 Health and Human Rights: Concepts and Methods for Public Health
Fall 1
Dr. S. Gruskin
2.5 credits
Lecture, case study. One 3-hour session each week.
The course identifies and discusses the complex interactions between health and human rights, with particular emphasis on the use of human rights concepts and methods for public health practice. The course provides basic literacy in modern human rights. Frameworks for analysis of health/human rights interactions are developed and applied, including: effects of health policies and programs on human rights; health consequences of human rights violations; and the linkages between promoting and protecting health and promoting and protecting human rights. Topics including reproductive health and HIV/AIDS are used to illustrate and explore practical applications of human rights in public health, including the value and effectiveness of what are called "rights-based" approaches to health.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP220 Introduction to Demographic Methods
Fall 2
Dr. M. Castro
2.5 Credits
Lectures, class discussions, labs.
This is an introductory level class on the analysis of mortality, fertility and population change. It is required for all masters' and doctoral students in the department of Global Health and Population. Students are introduced to the core literature in this field through lectures, and assigned readings selected from peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Together, these provide a graduate-level introduction to the principle sources and characteristics of population data and to the essential methods used for the analysis of population problems. The emphasis throughout is on understanding the key processes, models and assumptions used primarily for the analysis of demographic components. Practical training will be given through a required weekly laboratory session, assignments, and a final examination. Examples presented in class and used in assignments are drawn from several countries, combining both developed and developing in assignments are drawn from several countries, combining both developed and developing world realities.
Course Note: Ordinal grading option only.
Course Evaluations
GHP244 Health Sector Reform: A Worldwide Perspective
Fall 2
Dr. T. Bossert
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course surveys the impact of the global movement to reform national health care systems in the lower and middle income countries. It introduces a framework for analyzing health care systems and designing strategies for system reform, including political dimensions, with specific references to developing countries. It then examines some of the major elements of reform strategies as they are being applied in these countries, including goal-setting, financing, the organization of health care and the role of the private health sector, governmental reform, regulation, and change in consumer behavior. Studies and case material from many different countries are used.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP251 Planning and Evaluation of Health Programs
Spring 2
Dr. M. Mitchell
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is an introduction to monitoring and evaluating both U.S. and international health programs and interventions. It aims to combine a solid theoretical understanding of the principles of evaluation with illustrations of practical application. The course will rely heavily on the use of case materials to illustrate how evaluations are done in the field.
The course will provide an overview of the reasons for undertaking a health evaluation and will consider appropriate conceptual frameworks for evaluation. A variety of methods for obtaining information are presented including the use of qualitative and quantitative data and how each of these might be collected in a variety of settings. Students are introduced to practical problems encountered in designing and conducting evaluation studies in a variety of settings including disease specific control programs, primary health care, training and communications programs and reproductive health.
Course Note: The course is intended for MPH and MS and doctoral students interested in health program evaluation. (5.06)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP253 Human Ecology
Fall 2
Dr. R. Levins
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Provides a broad overview of the human ecosystem as it emerges out of, but as different from, pre-human ecology. Topics are selected from biosphere processes, population interaction, agricultural systems, adaptation evolution and ecology of disease, ecological politics, and evolution. Also considers the role of knowledge and conscious planning as an aspect of human ecology and examines the approaches toward the solution of ecological problems.
Course Note: Basic knowledge of biology recommended.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP261 Models of Complex Systems in Biology and Public Health
Spring
Dr. T. Awerbuch(P), Dr. R. Levins (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
This course examines complex models as a basis for analyzing biological and social phenomena relevant to public health. Applied topics include: spread and maintenance of infectious diseases such as AIDS, lyme disease and malaria; diffusion bioassays for determining toxicity and mutagenicity of drugs; screening for breast cancer; blood screening, enzyme kinetics; demographic modeling and population structures. Methodological topics include differential equations, difference equations, probability, Leslie matrices, fitting models to data and computer simulation.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP263 Grant Writing for Funding of Research and Health Care Projects
WinterSession
Dr. K. Dumbaugh (P), Dr. D. Bloom (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Ten 3-hour sessions from Monday, January 4, 2010 - Friday, January 15, 2010 from 9:00-12:00 AM with an additional 2.5 hour session on Wednesday, January 7 from 6:00-8:30 PM. A mandatory organizational meeting to discuss concept paper requirements and the course objectives will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2009, from 12:30 to 1:20 PM, Room TBA.
The objective of the course is to provide participants with: 1) the opportunity to prepare a fundable grant proposal for submission to a funding agency upon completion of the course; 2) a framework that enables participants to write realistic and fundable proposals for basic or applied research, or for projects that deliver services or care. (Participants are required to obtain support from a mentor for their proposal before, during, and after the course); and 3) the most relevant sources of information about organizations that fund such work.
Course Note: Enrollment is limited to 18 students. Signature of instructor required. Submission of concept paper requirement will be discussed at a mandatory organizational meeting on Thursday, November 12, 2009, from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. By Wednesday, December 2, interested students must submit a 200 word (two short paragraphs) description of their idea for a proposal for review to kdumbaug@hsph.harvard.edu with phone number where the student can be reached for discussion of proposed project idea. Selection of participants will be based on the order in which students submit and review their concept paper with the instructor. Selection will start by Thursday, December 4, 2009.
Course grading: 30 % class discussion, 20 % class presentation, 50% draft proposal.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP265 Ethical Issues in Global Health Research
Spring 2
Dr. R. Cash, Dr. D. Wikler
2.5 credits
Course Not Offered 2009-2010
Seminar. One 3-hour session each week.
This course is designed to expose students to the key ethical issues that may be encountered in the course of conducting global health research. Using case presentations and discussion-based class sessions, students will have the opportunity to begin developing their own tools for dealing with these important issues in an applied context. (5.06)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP267 HIV/AIDS in Developing Countries: Epidemiol & National Responses
Fall 2
Dr. D. Halperin
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is designed to provide a broad description of the distinct features of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in developing countries, and the evolution of national responses against HIV/AIDS in selected countries. The course will focus on sub-Saharan Africa, although relevant examples from other developing countries will be addressed during the presentations and discussions. At the beginning of the course, an overview of the status of the HIV/AIDS epidemic will be presented and followed by a discussion of the methods used to derive regional HIV/AIDS estimates. Later, specific factors contributing to the severe HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa will be examined, and strategies that could be used to reduce further spread of the epidemic will be discussed. Subsequent sessions will focus on the evolution of national responses against HIV/AIDS epidemic in selected countries. In each country, the main features of the national HIV/AIDS control program will be described, and the key strategies adopted in reducing further spread of the HIV epidemic will be presented and critiqued.
Course Activities: Case studies from selected countries where HIV/AIDS interventions have worked (or not) will be presented and discussed to assess the possibility of replicating programs from countries where HIV/AIDS interventions have been more or less successful. A combination of formal lectures, case studies and student presentations will be used.
Course Note: No auditors; enrollment limited to 35.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP268 Field Experience in Health and Human Rights
WinterSession
Dr. S. Marks
1.25 credits
Seminars, field work
In this course, students will acquire the basic skills in applying a human rights framework to health issues in a professional work environment. Depending on their field placement, they may learn about operational skills in settings where health and human rights are practiced or about organizing a study to investigate human rights conditions affecting health. Each student will be expected to identify an organization with which they would like to work for the Winter Session period and secure a placement within that organization. Students are expected to attend a short preparatory workshop in the Fall 2 quarter. Participants will study materials pertinent to their placement and project before heading to the field assignment. After completion of their field work, each student is required to hand in a 10-page paper to be graded by the course instructor on a pass/fail basis.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15; contract with department required; attend a short workshop in Fall 2; pass/fail option only. Applications must be completed by October 8 and participants will be notified by October 19.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP269 Applied Politics and Economics I: Political Economy of Intl Hlth
Spring 1
Dr. M. Reich
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Presents theoretical perspectives, empirical cases and research issues in policy analysis, political economy, political strategies and governance in international health. Focus is on analytical and methodological issues as applied to international health policy. Examines the political economy constraints on national and international health initiatives, the role of international agencies, the impact of non-governmental organizations, and the role of the state.
Course Activities: All students will be expected to participate actively in class discussions. There will be a midterm and a final paper due at the end of the course. Doctoral students will be expected to prepare a more extensive final paper. Exams and papers will constitute 70% of the grade and class participation 30%. (5.06)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP272 Foundations of Global Health and Population
Fall
D. Bloom, J. Lamstein
5.0 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions and one 2-hour lab each week.
This course is required for all incoming master of science and doctoral students. It is intended as a broad survey of the main facts, issues, perspectives, methods, results, and conclusions in the areas of global population and health.
The course is organized into three blocks. The first block deals with theory, methods, and evidence related to the state of global health and population and reviews salient population and health issues, both past and present. The focus is on patterns and trends in morbidity, mortality, fertility, and reproductive health, as well as the size, structure, and growth of population. Environmental concerns linked to health and population are also addressed.
The second block deals with the economic, social, legal, political, and ecological context in which global health and population issues arise and must be addressed. This block introduces economic, political, and rights-based perspectives on the place of health in the process of international development.
The third block covers approaches to the design and implementation of policies and programs to address health and population problems. Medical interventions, non-medical health interventions, and non-health interventions will all be considered.
Course Note: Space guaranteed for all SM and doctoral students in the department of Global Health and Population; others on a first-come basis.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP274 Applied Quantitative Methods I
Fall 1
Dr. S. Humair
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will review, as well as introduce, methods of mathematical analysis that form an essential tool kit for doctoral level courses in economic analysis. The course is a pre-requisite for GHP291 (Microeconomics and applications to public health in developing countries) that is taught in the spring semester. Topics covered include differential and integral calculus, and optimization methods. Some applications of these methods to economic analysis will also be discussed. Participants in the course will be expected to be proficient in introductory level calculus and linear algebra.
Course note: There will be weekly problem sets, a take-home mid-term examination and an in-class final examination. Lab or section time will be announced at first meeting.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP283 Pharmaceutical Policy and Global Health
Spring
Dr. Michael R. Reich
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies: One two-hour session each week.
The course consists of readings and presentations on major issues related to pharmaceutical policy and global health, with particular attention to access to medicines. Topics will include: essential drugs, the global market for pharmaceuticals, patents, drug development, price policy, international trade agreements, drug development for neglected diseases, non-governmental organizations, generic drugs, vaccines, AIDS medicines, drug donation programs, and the politics of national drug policies.. Each session will consist of a brief presentation by a student, followed by general discussion. Some topics will be presented by visiting experts. Each student will be required to write a 15-20 page paper.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 20, instructor's signature required. Interested students should submit a CV and short statement (300) words on why they want to take the course to michael_reich@harvard.edu. No auditors.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP288 Issues in Health and Human Rights
Spring 2
Dr. S. Marks
2.5 credits
Not Offered 2008-2009
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the application of the human rights framework to a wide range of critical areas of public health. Through lectures, cases and guest speakers, students will become familiar with the human rights perspective as applied to selected public health policies, programs and interventions. The course clarifies how human rights approaches complement and differ from those of bioethics and public health ethics.
Among the issues to be considered from a human rights perspective are the bioethics and human rights as reflected in the Nuremberg code, torture prevention and treatment, infectious diseases: MDRTB and incarceration, violence prevention and responses, genetic manipulation, access to affordable drugs, community-based health management and financing, child labor, aging, and tobacco control.
Course requirements are active participation in class discussion (20%) and a term paper (80%)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP291 Microeconomics and Applications to PH in Developing Countries
Spring
Dr. A. Mahal
5.0 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This is a course in applied microeconomic theory (formerly GHP271). We use basic calculus, differentiation, and simple constrained maximization theory to develop empirical models of the behavior of individuals, households, firms, and markets, as well as normative theories of social welfare and resource allocation within the health sector. All applications will be drawn from population and public health issues in developing countries. Empirical applications include individuals' demand for health care, health insurance, and retirement saving; the determinants of fertility and educational investments in children; the distribution of resources within households; formal and informal mechanisms for risk sharing; the supply of physician and health services; market failures and inefficiencies due to asymmetric information in health insurance markets; and applications of the theory externalities and public goods to disease control and environmental policy. Normative applications include the trade-off between equity and efficiency, criteria for resource allocation and project evaluation within the health sector such as cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis, and ethical issues such as the valuation of life, the multiple competing objectives of health policy, and fairness.
Course note: The course makes use of calculus and constrained maximization at the level of GHP274 or equivalent. (7.06)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP293 Individual and Social Responsibility for Health
Fall 1
Dr. D. Wikler
2.5 credits
Course Not Offered 2009-2010
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
The concept of responsibility for health plays a key role in health policy, but it is rarely articulated or evaluated. In this course, students will consider alternative understandings of assignments of responsibility for health to individuals, the state, the family, communities, nonprofit and for-profit firms, and other entities. They will identify their occurrences in health policy debates, assess the cogency of their use in ethical arguments in health policy, and trace the policy consequences of their normative analyses. The course will also serve as an introduction to ethical perspectives on public health.
Course Note: Minimum enrollment of 15 required. Evaluation of Performance: Exams and a term project identifying and evaluating the role of responsibility for health in an area health policy. (5.06)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP294 International Health Economics I
Fall 1
Dr. R. Soares
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 1.5-hour lectures each week.
The course is designed to use economic methods to study a range of issues in international health economics. It will examine the determinants and impact of the epidemiological and demographic transitions, the role of health as a form of human capital, and the impact of population changes and health improvements in economic development, each with an international focus. The topics in the course will be addressed from an economic perspective, with emphasis on historical examples, current facts, relevant economic theories and hypotheses, existing empirical research, gaps in the existing literature and prospects for future research in the area.
Course note: GHP291 or signature of instructor required.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP297 Field Trip: Health Reform and Community Medicine in Chile
WinterSession
Winter Session
Dr. T. Bossert
1.25 credits
Jan. 4 - Jan 22, 2010
This Winter Term course will allow students to see first hand two major current public health issues in a remarkable and exciting period of innovation in Chile: the process of reforming health systems and innovations in community medicine approaches, including the assessment of social capital initiatives.
Chile was one of the first countries on the continent to significantly reform its health system in the 1980s, introducing new programs of public and private social insurance schemes, promoting the growth of private sector providers and decentralizing their public health services. It has been a model for health reform in many other countries. Since the restoration of democracy in the 1990s, many in the health sector have been proposing new reforms to correct many of the problems that emerged in implementation of the initial reforms.
A leader in promoting community-oriented health systems, Chile is also a laboratory of innovations in outreach programs, community participation, 24 hour emergency service units, and special programs for the elderly and other specific risk groups. Recent innovations in community medicine have been implemented by the Catholic University in pilot programs around Santiago. Complementing these programs is a research project to assess the role of social capital (trust in others and participation in voluntary groups) in health care services and health status.
The three week 1.25 credit course involves:
· introductory lectures by HSPH faculty to orient students to the key issues of health reform and community medicine in Chile
· lectures by key participants in the health reform process - past and present
· interviews with current stakeholders and observers of the health reform process
· lectures and field visits to community medicine pilot clinics
· individual short research projects on health reform, community medicine and/or social capital
The course will be for 1.25 credits and will require a power point presentation on individual research into one of the topics of the course. The course dates are January 4 to 22 - a beautiful summer time period in Santiago. Housing arrangements can be made at a reasonable price in university housing. Collective flight arrangements may also be possible. Spanish will be helpful but not essential.
Course Note: Enrollment is limited to 15 students; pass/fail grading option only. An orientation session will be held to discuss the course options with interested students. Applications must be completed by October 8 and participants will be notified by October 19.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP298 Field Trip to Mumbai India
WinterSession
WinterSession
Dr. R. Cash
1.25 credits
January 4 - January 22, 2010
The purpose of the three-week visit is to familiarize the students with the health problems and health systems of India, especially the urban areas. The program would be based in Mumbai, the largest urban area in India and one of the world's largest. The students will be hosted by the Tata Institute for Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai (it has one of the few MPH programs in India,) which will direct the orientation program (including field trips) and set up the field placements for each student. Students in groups of 2-6 will be assigned to various institutions and programs that reflect their own interests.
Course Note: Students who are enrolled in the MPH, MS, or doctoral program will be eligible. Pass/Fail grade only. Applications must be completed by Thursday, October 8, 2009 and participants will be notified by October 19. Sessions in which the health, culture, political, and socio-economic factors in Mumbai will be reviewed and scheduled for Fall 2. The program will be limited to a maximum of twelve students.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP299 Masters Thesis
Spring
Dr. A. Hill
5 credits
Student must produce a written thesis in accordance with the thesis guidelines developed by the department.
Course Note: Signature of instructor required; ordinal grading option only.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP300 Independent Study/ Tutorial
Fall 1
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. The program provides an opportunity to consider the design of studies, programs, or analysis of data.
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.
(5.06)
Course Evaluations
GHP300 Independent Study/ Tutorial
Fall
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 regular courses. The program provides an opportunity to consider the design of studies, programs, or analysis of data.
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP300 Independent Study/ Tutorial
Fall 2
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 regular courses. The program provides an opportunity to consider the design of studies, programs, or analysis of data.
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP300 Independent Study/ Tutorial
Spring 1
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 regular courses. The program provides an opportunity to consider the design of studies, programs, or analysis of data.
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP300 Independent Study/ Tutorial
Spring
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 regular courses. The program provides an opportunity to consider the design of studies, programs, or analysis of data.
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP300 Independent Study/ Tutorial
Spring 2
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 regular courses. The program provides an opportunity to consider the design of studies, programs, or analysis of data.
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP300 Independent Study/ Tutorial
WinterSession
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 regular courses. The program provides an opportunity to consider the design of studies, programs, or analysis of data.
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP350 Research
Fall 1
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.
(5.06)
Course Evaluations
GHP350 Research
Fall
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP350 Research
Fall 2
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP350 Research
Spring 1
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP350 Research
Spring
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP350 Research
Spring 2
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP350 Research
WinterSession
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP356 Research Methods in Population
Fall
Dr. G. Wyshak
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.
(5.06)
Course Evaluations
GHP356 Research Methods in Population
Spring
Dr. G. Wyshak
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP400 Non-Resident Research
Fall 1
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.
(5.06)
Course Evaluations
GHP400 Non-Resident Research
Fall
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP400 Non-Resident Research
Fall 2
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP400 Non-Resident Research
Spring 1
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP400 Non-Resident Research
Spring
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP400 Non-Resident Research
Spring 2
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP400 Non-Resident Research
WinterSession
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.
Course Evaluations
GHP502 International Reproductive Health Issues:From theory to Practic
Spring 1
2.5 credits
Ms. K. Blanchard, Dr. David Bloom (S)
Seminars, case studies
Description
This seminar will offer students the opportunity to explore the development and implementation of reproductive health research projects and programmatic initiatives in international settings. Through the examination of weekly case studies, students will acquire a better understanding of the complexity of working in the field of reproductive health in the international context and an appreciation of the ways in which the perspectives and methods of various health and social science disciplines can be integrated in the development of effective health programs. Session topics will include family planning, emergency contraception, abortion, and HIV/AIDS. Presenters will draw on case studies from Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East, and will identify both technical and programmatic challenges as well as successful interventions.
Course Objectives: At the completion of the course, you will be able to
1) Understand the range of international reproductive health issues, with particular emphasis on policy, clinical and rights challenges.
2) Critically review research results on international reproductive health.
3) Link policy and advocacy efforts and identify research opportunities that can inform these discussions.
Course note: Instructor's signature required.
Course Evaluations
GHP503 The Determinants of Fertility and Mortality
Spring 2
Dr. Kenneth Hill
2.5 credits
Course Not Offered 2009-2010
The course, intended for students who have completed a basic course in demographic measures, will examine the record of fertility and mortality change through the course of human history and of differentials in fertility and mortality. These theories include the effects of modernization, economics, technology, social structure and other factors bearing on human behavior. The first block covers theories of fertility and how well they account for the empirical observations, while the second block will do the same for mortality. The emphasis of the course will be on examining the agreement between theory and actual outcomes.
Course Objectives: At the end of the course the student will be able to:
Describe the broad trends of human fertility and mortality through history
Distinguish between the major theories of fertility and mortality change
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of each theory in explaining observed patterns
Course Note: GHP 220 or instructor signature required. Ordinal grading option only. (1.07)
Course Evaluations
GHP504 Applied Qualitative Methods for International Health Research
Spring 1
Dr. Theresa S. Betancourt
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 3-hour session each wwek.
The aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to qualitative methods for international health research. The module is designed to expose students to a wide range of topics including: developing research questions, sampling and site selection, frequently used qualitative methods (such as interviews, observations, focus groups), design of qualitative research protocols, as well as data management and analysis. Students will engage in a variety of active learning exercises (such as constructing and conducting a short informal interview) and will work in small groups on the preparation of a qualitative research project on a defined topic area of international or multicultural health. Class activities and discussions will aim at building a research community in the class, where students support each other’s development as researchers recognizing the complexity, benefits and limitations of conducting cross-cultural qualitative research.
Course prerequisite:
Prospective students wishing to enroll in GHP 504 must email an essay (maximum one page) to course TAs, Ben Capistrant (bcapistr@hsph.harvard.edu) and Sandy Zaeh (szaeh@hsph.harvard.edu) by December 15, 2008. All admitted students will be notified by January 9, 2009.
The essay should describe:
- Current departmental affiliation, degree program and remaining time to graduation
- Rationale for and interest in pursuing training in qualitative methods
- Upcoming plans to use qualitative methods in research
-Any prior training in or experience with using qualitative methods in field research (and lessons learned if relevant)
- Research topics and populations in which the student plans to use qualitative methods
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 30 students. Ordinal grading option only.
Course Evaluations
GHP505 Sex, Reproduction and Reproductive Health
Spring 2
Dr. A. Hill
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This is a second level class which builds on the material covered in GHP 272 (Foundations of Global Population and Health) and GHP 220 (Introduction to Demographic Methods). Students are introduced to the core literature in this field through lectures, readings presented in a course packet, case studies and other sources. Together, these provide a graduate-level introduction to the concepts underlying reproductive health and to the essential methods used for the analysis of fertility and reproductive problems. The emphasis throughout is on understanding the key processes, models and assumptions used primarily for the analysis of fertility and reproductive health in developing countries. Several case studies, including major interventions to improve reproductive health, are presented in detail. Practical training will be given through homework exercises, a mid-term and a final examination. Examples are drawn mostly from the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Middle East. Useful for MPH students interested in fertility and reproductive health in developing countries.
Course Notes: There are no formal prerequisites for this course but students are expected to have a working knowledge of Excel or an equivalent spreadsheet package for the analysis and graphical display of demographic data. No auditors.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP506 Measuring Population Health
Spring 1
Dr. J. Salomon
2.5 credits
Lectures, lab. Two 2-hour sessions and one 2-hour optional lab each week.
This course is designed to introduce students to the definition and measurement of population health. The primary objective is to provide an overview of the conceptual, methodological and empirical basis for quantifying levels of health in individuals and populations, including the construction of a range of different summary measures that combine information on mortality and non-fatal health outcomes. The course aims to give students an understanding of the technical basis for measurement in international work on population health; and to give students an appreciation of the uses and limitations of these methods in policy-making and priority-setting, particularly in developing countries. Practical training will be given through homework exercises and a final exam. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of Excel or an equivalent spreadsheet package. Other packages such as Stata will be introduced during the course for those with no previous experience. Required for MS and doctoral students in the department of Global Health and Population. Useful for MPH students interested in the construction, interpretation and application of health indicators
Course Note: GHP 220: Introduction to Demographic Methods or permission of instructor. Optional lab meets Fridays from 10:30 to 12:20 in LL6.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP507 Population Health Risk Factors
Spring 1
Dr. M. Ezzati
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions.
Detailed knowledge of the roles of diseases and injuries, and of their causes and risk factors, is essential evidence for health policies and for planning and evaluating health systems and intervention programs. A substantial body of work has focused on the quantification of mortality and more recently non-fatal health outcomes, as covered in GHP220 (Introduction to Demographic Methods) and GHP506 (Measuring Population Health). Data on disease or injury outcomes alone tend to focus on palliative or curative services. Reliable and comparable analyses of lifestyle, environmental, and nutritional risks to health, on the other hand, are needed for preventing disease and injury. This course is designed to guide students through the multitude of concepts, methods, and data needed to conduct systematic assessment of health risks at the population level, and their applications, for example, in evaluating public health policies and intervention options.
The course builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in introductory epidemiology courses. The methods learned in the course, in addition to their independent applications to public health problems and priority setting, serve as a basis for other courses in the School, including those on evaluating the impact of health interventions, priority-setting using combinations of burden of disease and economic analyses.
The first block of lectures focuses on the concepts of risk assessment and the basic methods and data needs used for population level risk assessment. The second part of the course introduces the concepts of multiple risk factors and their analytical as well as public health implications. The last part of the course introduces the students to time dimensions of risk factor exposure, avoidable disease burden, and forecasts of future trends in disease with and without changes in the risk factors. The second and third blocks form the core of a more advanced risk factor course (GHP509).
Course Note: BIO200 or BIO201 and EPI200 or EPI201, or permission of the instructor required; ordinal grading option only.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP509 Advanced Seminar on Population Health Risk Factors
Fall 2
Dr. Majid Ezzati
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
Detailed descriptions of the magnitude and distribution of diseases and injuries, and their causes are important inputs to strategies for improving population health. Analyses of disease or injury outcomes alone, such as death or hospitalization, tend to focus on the need for palliative or curative services. Reliable and comparable analysis of risks to health, on the other hand, is needed for preventing disease and injury. This seminar is designed to provide the students with an advanced understanding of the concepts and analytics related to health risks, with emphasis on their population level effects. We will use scholarly publications as the basis for critical discussion and probing of the of course topics. The topics included in the course will center around two broad themes:
1. Multiple risk factors
a. Relative and absolute risk concepts; risk factor interaction
b. Mediated effects
c. Risk factor correlation; risk factor and disease correlation
d. Multiple correlated risk factors and health inequalities
2. Temporal dimensions of risk factor analysis
a. Hazard accumulation and risk reversibility
b. Risk factor trends and avoidable disease burden
This seminar builds on the introductory knowledge and skills acquired in GHP 507 (Population Health Risk Factors). Although the seminar is designed primarily in preparation for research on risk factors, it will also create a strong foundation for applications such as evaluating the impact of health interventions and priority-setting using combinations of burden of disease and economic analyses.
Approximately two-thirds of the seminars will focus only on critical discussion of specific topics with reference to specific scholarly publications. In the last part, time will be divided between further seminar discussion and student presentation of ongoing papers with reference to the seminar topics for a critical discussion by their peers. The paper is expected to fit a research framework and have a theoretical underpinning, by either providing a detailed research proposal related to the student's research interests or resulting in a paper of publishable quality.
Course Note: GHP507 or instructor's signature required.
Course Evaluations
GHP510 Humanitarian Protection in Conflict:Legal and Policy Challenges
Fall
Mr. C. Bruderlein, Dr. J. Leaning
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. One 2-hour session each week
The protection of civilians during armed conflict is a complex and bold endeavor, requiring a multidimensional response to address the various sources of vulnerabilities affecting populations, in a strategic manner. For each of these vulnerabilities, distinct tools and standards must often be mobilized to analyze the causes of conflicts and consequences on populations. In this context, humanitarian professionals must engage in multifaceted and complex approaches addressing the legal, political, social, medical, and public health aspects of crises, in addition to managing operations in often remote and hazardous environments. Each of these domains, in turn, may also become the subject of various interpretations and agendas by the belligerents, host countries, donors, international agencies, and non-governmental organizations, increasing the importance of the strategic thinking, dialogue, and negotiation skills of humanitarian practitioners.
This course will offer a multidisciplinary approach to the protection of civilians during armed conflict, with a primary emphasis on student engagement. Through a careful blend of theory and practical application, this course seeks to acquaint students with the relevant legal, historical, and policy material and equip them with the necessary understanding and skills to address humanitarian concerns in an operational environment. It will provide students with an overview of the humanitarian framework related to the protection of civilians during armed conflicts, as well as encourage participants to explore and assess dilemmas of IHL and humanitarian action.
The main objective of the seminar is to prepare students to engage in a strategic reflection on the most pressing challenges confronted by governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations involved in areas of conflict.
Course Note: Students interested in the WinterSession course GHP 543 (Indonesia in 2010) are strongly advised to take this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP515 Humanitarian Studies in the Field
WinterSession
WinterSession
Dr. J. Leaning
2.5 credits
Seminar, case studies. Five 6-hour sessions each week.
This course will offer a practical and in-depth analysis of the complex issues and skills needed to engage in humanitarian work in field settings. Through presentations offered by the faculty of the Humanitarian Studies Initiative and guest speakers who are experts in their topic areas, students will gain familiarity with the primary frameworks in the humanitarian field (human rights, livelihoods, Sphere standards, international humanitarian law) and will focus on practical issues that arise in the field, such as rapid public health assessments, field cluster sampling techniques, application of minimum standards for food security, and operational approaches to relations with the military in humanitarian settings. Topics will be presented in case studies and in structured participatory modes. A paper of 5 pages will be required at the completion of the course analyzing a current humanitarian crisis from the perspective of one of the main topics presented in the course. Additionally, these topics will provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform successfully during a Spring-02 course which will involve a three-day intensive simulation of a humanitarian crisis, which is a required component of the HSI program.
At the completion of this WinterSession course, the students will be able to fulfill the following learning objectives:
-To design a rapid health assessment in the field including applying appropriate epidemiological methods to assess population needs in crisis situations;
-To design, conduct, and analyze field interviews with key stakeholders in a humanitarian crisis - a cross-section of the local affected population, brigands and local militia, international heads of agencies, local and regional governmental officials, members of the local and international press, and representatives of the United Nations agencies;
-To synthesize the complex social, political, economic, geographic, and public health parameters that define the dynamic of a given humanitarian crisis; and
-To analyze the historical frameworks that define current approaches to humanitarian response and to assess the relative utility of these frameworks in a particular situation.
Course Note: For more information about the HSI program, visit www.humanitarianstudies.org.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP516 Humanitarian Studies in the Field II
Spring 2
Dr. J. Leaning
2.5 credits
Seminar, case studies. One 3-hour Session each week.
Special Class Sessions:
Friday, April 17, 2 - 5 pm class held in Kresge 201
Friday - Sunday, April 24-26, 2009 classes will take place in Andover, MA
Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 5 - 8 pm class will be held at Tufts University
This course offers an in-depth analysis of the complex issues surrounding humanitarian response as well as practical skills needed to engage in humanitarian work in field settings. Course topics will be presented in case studies and in structured participatory modes. Students will utilize knowledge of the humanitarian field gained in the Winter Session course GHP 515 (human rights, livelihoods, Sphere standards, international humanitarian law) during a field simulation exercise. During the simulated humanitarian crisis, involving faculty members, role-players, and guest experts, students will focus on practical issues that arise in the field, such as rapid public health assessments, field cluster sampling techniques, application of minimum standards for food security, and operational approaches to relations with the military in humanitarian settings.
The three-day simulation exercise will take place in the Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover, MA from Friday morning through late Sunday afternoon at the end of April. Students will spend two nights in the forest and be a part of a complicated disaster and conflict scenario. They will be expected to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge acquired throughout the course. During the simulation, students will work in teams representing different humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and will necessarily engage with a wide range of local and non-state actors (roles developed and filled by HSI faculty, alumni, and affiliates). After the completion of the simulation, students will be required to write a 10 to 15 page paper detailing a service delivery plan of response to the same theoretical humanitarian crisis.
At the completion of this course, the students will be able to fulfill the following learning objectives:
-Design a rapid health assessment in the field including applying appropriate epidemiological methods to assess population needs in crisis situations;
-Design, conduct, and analyze field interviews with key stakeholders in a humanitarian crisis - a cross-section of the local affected population, brigands and local militia, international heads of agencies, local and regional governmental officials, members of the local and international press, and representatives of the United Nations agencies;
-Synthesize the complex social, political, economic, geographic, and public health parameters that define the dynamic of a given humanitarian crisis.
Course Prerequisite: Students are required to successfully complete GHP 515, "Humanitarian Studies in the Field."
Course Fee: Students will be expected to contribute a $300.00 course fee to cover the per capita cost of this experience.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP520 The Ecology of Health in Development
Spring 2
Dr. R. Levins
2.50 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week
This course is a sequel to Human Ecology, GHP 253-fall II. It will be run as a semi-seminar course with about 1/3 lecture, 2/3 student-led discussions and reports. There will be a common core of general readings and then students will read different selections to contribute to the discussion.
Themes: The Eco-social Distress Syndrome, a multidimensional imbalance between our species and the rest of nature against the background of the conflicting demands for a rising and equitable standard of living for all and the constraints of sustainability.
Each kind of society has its own pattern of relations with the rest of nature including resources, waste, microorganisms, pests, habitats, climate and demography and its own ways of generating knowledge giving rise to distinct patterns of knowledge and ignorance.
Each habitat (natural or anthropogenic) provides human societies with its own constraints and opportunities and its own health spectrum.
Different strategies of development have differential effects on all of these. In order to span a wide range of alternatives situations, the course will be organized around selected geographic areas (the Lake Victoria basin, Thailand or the Philippines, Central America and the Caribbean), habitats (tropical forests, semi-arid savannas, coastlines, cities), health problems (malnutrition, malaria, cholera, emerging viruses) and development strategies for resource use, agricultural development, national science strategy (neo-liberal, nationalist, socialist) with an emphasis on the less familiar approaches, and international efforts to reconcile development with ecology.
Course notes: Minimum enrollment required. (5.06)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP525 Econometrics for Health Policy
Spring
Dr. G. Fink
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week and one optional lab each week.
This is a course in applied econometrics for doctoral and advanced master level students. The course has two primary objectives: (1) to develop skills in linking economic behavioral models and quantitative analysis, in a way that students can use in their own research; (2) to develop students' abilities to understand and evaluate critically other peoples' econometric studies.
The course focuses on developing the theoretical basis and practical application of the most common empirical models used in health policy research. In particular, it pays special attention to a class of models identifying causal effects in observational data, including instrumental variable estimation, simultaneous equations and two-stage-least-squares, quasi-experiments and difference-in-difference method, sample selection, treatment effect models and propensity score methods.
Lectures will be complemented with computer exercises building on public domain data sets commonly used in health research. The statistical package recommended for the exercises is Stata.
Course Note: Students are expected to be familiar with probability theory (density and distribution functions) as well as the concepts underlying basic ordinary least square (OLS) estimation.
Course Activities: Optional review and computer lab sessions will be held.
Course Evaluations
GHP526 Research in Global Health and Population
Fall/Spring
Dr. D. Canning
5.0 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 1.5-hour session each week plus regular group meeting with instructor.
Course held at 9 Bow Street in Cambridge.
This course is designed for doctoral students as preparation for undertaking research. Students will gain familiarity with household level and aggregate level datasets commonly used in research in global health and population. They will learn how to access the datasets and merge different files to create data in a form that is ready for analysis. They will evaluate the quality of these datasets. Students will learn to read and critically evaluate recent research articles in the field of global health and population. Students will be expected to replicate the results in the papers studied and to provide and implement suggestions for improving the methodology used.
Students will form small groups (2-4) to undertake a group research project. Each group will design a proposal that poses a relevant research hypothesis and have data and a statistical methodology that is capable of answering the question posed. Students will carry out the analysis and write a joint group research paper. Students will gain experience in conducting research, writing up the results, and making presentations.
Course Note: This is a year-long course and it is primarily intended for second year doctoral students planning to proceed to undertake thesis research.
Course Evaluations
GHP527 Political Economy and Ethics of Health Reform:
Spring
Cases of Mexico and Taiwan
T. Bossert, W. Hsiao
5.0 Credits
Seminars, Case Studies. One 3-hour session each week.
In this advanced doctoral seminar course, students will be introduced to theoretical and methodological approaches from political science, economics and applied ethics to understanding the policy process that leads to (or obstructs) health system reform. The course will begin by linking broad theoretical approaches to a pair of in-depth case studies (Mexico and Taiwan) of health system change. As the students become more familiar with these approaches in particular contexts, the course will build parsimonious theories that can be applied more generally. Students will learn to use comparative, quantitative and formal approaches to analyze health system change. Students will learn how to craft important research questions and to use the appropriate evaluation methods to investigate the impacts of health system reforms. This class will help students identify potential research topics by showing where the frontier of knowledge is about political economy and health systems and the determinants of health systems performance.
Course pre-requisites: BIO 222 Basics of Statistical Inference, GHP 244 Health Sector Reform: A Worldwide Perspective, GHP 269 Applied Politics and Economics I: Political Economy of International Health, GHP 291 Microeconomics and Applications to Public Health in Developing Countries, GHP 525 Econometrics for Health Policy, HPM 243 Health Economics: Economic Analysis of the Health Care System and ID 292 Justice and Resource Allocation
Course Evaluations
GHP532 Introduction to Global Health Care Delivery
WinterSession
Dr. Joseph Rhatigan, Dr. P. Farmer
2.5 credits
January 2010: Dates to be confirmed.
Lectures, case studies, laboratories. Eight 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will engage students in analysis of case studies that describe interventions to improve health care delivery in resource-poor settings. Class room discussion of these case studies will help illuminate principles and frameworks for the design of efficient and effective global health interventions. Through a focus on HIV, tuberculosis, and polio, these cases will allow students to carefully consider the question of how epidemiology, pathophysiology, culture, economics, and politics inform the design of interventions.
Course Evaluations
GHP532 Introduction to Global Health Care Delivery
Summer 1
Dr. J. Rhatigan, Dr. P. Farmer, Dr. W. Rodriguez, Dr. J. Mukerjee
2.5 credits
Summer 1
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will engage students in analysis of case studies that describe interventions to improve health care delivery in resource-poor settings. Class room discussion of these case studies will help illuminate principles and frameworks for the design of effective global health interventions. Through a focus on HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, these cases will allow students to carefully consider the question of how epidemiology, pathophysiology, culture, economics, and politics inform the design and performance of global health projects.
Course Evaluations
GHP534 Introduction to Spatial Methods for Public Health
Spring 2
Dr. M. Castro
2.5 credits
Lectures, Seminars, Case Studies, Laboratory. Two 2-hour sessions and One 1-hour laboratory each week.
This is an introductory level course in the conceptual and analytic tools used to understand how spatial distributions of exposure impact on processes and patterns of disease. It covers methods that allow: (i) examination of patterns of health and disease in place and time, (ii) application of geospatial technologies and methods for epidemiology, (iii) analysis of time-space relations, (iv) identification of clusters and diffusion of disease, and (v) study of geographical epidemiology of selected infectious and noninfectious diseases.
Prerequisites:
Although there are no prerequisites for this course, students are highly encouraged to take one of the workshops on ArcGis offered by the Center for Geographical Analysis (CGA) - http://www.gis.harvard.edu
Course Activities: Assigned readings must be read in advance of class. Students will help summarize and lead discussions on several papers; complete a term project.
Course Note: Ordinal Grading only. Enrollment limited to 18 students.
Course Evaluations
GHP535 Applied Demography Analysis
Spring 1
Dr. A. Hill
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case discussion, lab sessions.
One 2-hour session each week. Two 2-hour lab each week.
Course description:
GHP 535 is a second level class which builds on the material covered in the GHP 272 Foundations of Global Population and Health, GHP 220 Introduction to Demographic methods, GHP 506 Measuring population health and GHP 507 Population health risk factors. It has been designed for those seeking more advanced training in demographic methods and analysis and is particularly recommended for doctoral students in the Population and Reproductive Health Concentration. Students are introduced to the commonly used methods through review of the literature in interactive lectures, assigned readings (3-4 per session), case studies and web-based sources. The most important part of the course is the application of a variety of analytic methods to cases chosen mostly from Africa and the Middle East. The section of data sources provides a guide to the use of complex data sets including those provided by DHS-MACRO as well as other public domain surveys (e.g. UNICEF's MICS surveys). Together, these provide a graduate-level introduction to the concepts and application of standard as well as newer methods of demographic analysis, especially in populations where the data are incomplete or inaccurate. The emphasis throughout is on understanding the key relationships, models and assumptions used primarily for the analysis of levels, trends and differentials in fertility, mortality and migration in developing countries. Practical training will be provided through sessions in the MicroLab. There are class exercises which will be completed as short homework assignments. There will be a final paper that brings together the analyses completed throughout the course. Full details of the homework assignments, MicroLab exercises and final paper will be provided in separate notes distributed in class.
Prerequisites:
GHP 272 Foundations of global population and health (Bloom)
GHP 220 Introduction to demographic methods (Castro)
Course Note: Computer use of at least one software package such as SAS/STATA/SPSS. Facility with EXCEL spread sheets and graph production assumed.
Course Evaluations
GHP537 Public Health Field Research in Complex Emergencies & Conflict
Spring 1
Dr. M VanRooyen, Dr. P. Greenough
1.25 credits
Lectures, Case Studies: One two-hour session each week.
This course focuses on adapting epidemiological research methods to complex settings such as disasters and armed conflict. The course begins with a discussion of the complexities of the humanitarian environment, and then works through a series of case studies to teach students the approach to population sampling and field research methods.
Course Evaluations
GHP539 Social, Political & Econ Dimensions of Infect Dis in Dev Cntries
Fall 1
Dr. R. Cash, Dr. J. Weisfeld
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
The course reviews the epidemiology of infectious disease of greatest public health importance in developing countries in terms of distribution in time, place, and person. Context is emphasized in describing each of the conditions. Effects of social, economic, and cultural dimensions of these conditions will discussed as well as a framework for conducting these analyses. Case studies of different diseases from different countries are used throughout the course.
Course Evaluations
GHP540 Field Trip to Urban and Rural Bangladesh
WinterSession
Winter Session
Dr. O.M. Rahman, Dr. R. Cash
1.25 credits
Jan. 4 - Jan. 22, 2010
This mid-winter course to be held in Bangladesh will be coordinated by BRAC School of Public Health (BSPH). It will take advantage of the excellent opportunities available to study public health issues at BSPH and International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), and international research with an excellent record of research going back 40 years. Prior to students leaving for Bangladesh, three seminars will be held at the HSPH in Fall 2 to introduce students to the health situation in Bangladesh. This will include demography, the success of different programs, research activities, and future challenges.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15; pass/fail grading option only; selected participants must attend the three seminars in Fall 2. Applications must be completed by October 8, 2009 and participants will be chosen by October 19, 2009.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP541 Health System Reforms in China: Seminar and Field Study
WinterSession
Winter session
Dr. Yuanli Liu
2.5 credits
Readings, lectures, group discussions, guest speakers, field trips. January 4 - 22, 2010 with preparatory seminars in December 2009.
Ever since publication of the 2000 World Health Development Report, there has been an increasing global interest in the critical role played by health systems in improving efficiency, equity, and quality of health care, and in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). How health systems cope with the significant economic downturn is an important challenge facing many countries.
This course introduces students to the basic methods for conducting health system analysis, sensitizes the participants on the global debate on health system reforms, and help the students gain some hands-on experiences by interacting with the major stake-holders in China. China represents an interesting country for conducting the field study on health system reforms, not only because it is the world's largest country and has a wide spectrum of health and health system issues, but also because China is at a critical stage of implementing new rounds of reforms.
Students will be divided into theme groups. At the end of the trip, each group will submit a research paper (about 20 pages), analyzing a particular issue facing China's health system and proposing solutions. Each group will present and discuss the results of their diagnosis at one of the last days of the course in China, commented by invited policy experts and policy makers. Applications must be completed by Thursday October 8, 2009 and participants will be notified by October 19, 2009.
The program will require a minimum of eight students, with a maximum enrollment of fifteen.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15 students; pass/fail grading option only.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
GHP542 Field Trip to Brazil
WinterSession
Dr. M. Wilson
WinterSession
1.25 credits
January 4 - 20, 2010.
Lecture, Seminar, Case Study, Group Projects. Visits to labs, institutions, and field sites in urban and rural areas in the state of Bahia.
Brazil is the 6th largest country by area and has the largest population in Latin America. Although Brazil is the 8th largest economy globally, it has one of the highest levels of income inequality, which has a significant impact in public health. Infectious diseases remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Brazil. In this field trip to Brazil, students will learn about several infectious diseases that are endemic in Brazil and the biological, environmental and socioeconomic factors associated with their persistence and distribution.
Approximately 15 Brazilian students will also participate in the course. Professors from Harvard and faculty from Fiocruz and other Brazilian institutions will lecture and lead discussions. Lectures will be in English.
The David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University, which has an office in São Paulo, will facilitate work with Brazilian colleagues and institutions and assist with logistical arrangements. Lectures and discussions during the first week will focus on selected infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, dengue, leptospirosis, schistosomiasis, and leishmaniasis, as well as social determinants of health and health policy in Brazil, and data sources and analysis. Students will also meet with researchers, public health workers and visit health care facilities and a favela in Salvador. During the second week students will work in small teams to develop proposals. The group projects will require a broad approach that takes into account the biological, geoclimatic, social, economic, cultural, political, and demographic factors associated with the disease. Each team will develop a research proposal that will address questions that need to be answered to prevent or reduce the morbidity or mortality from that disease. At the end opf the course students will present and discuss the results of their project with the entire class. Throughout this course the student will have an opportunity to interact with faculty from Harvard as well as faculty, public health workers, researchers, and students from Brazil.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15; pass/fail grading option only. Applications must be completed by Thursday, October 8, and participants will be chosen by October 19.
Course Evaluations
GHP543 Field Study on Public Health and Peace Building
WinterSession
Dr. C. Bruderlein
External instructor: Suneeta Kaimal
Winter Session Field Study : Indonesia
2.5 credits
Jan. 4 - Jan. 22, 2010
The aim of this interdisciplinary field study is to assess strategies for improving our response to major humanitarian challenges in conflict situations. The course will examine public sector planning in the fields of conflict management, public health and peacebuilding. In discussing options for operationalizing international humanitarian response to such conflicts, we will consider the potential synergies between public health, development, human rigths, and other relevant issues of concern. The potential impact of this event will be considered in terms of its epidemiological profile, local and regional response mechanisms, national and international security response, and international cooperation and governance.
The field study will begin with one week of preparatory class sessions at HSPH, followed by a two-week in-country visit including interviews of practitioners, site visits and group analysis. Students will be accompanied by course instructors. The course will require a minimum of nine students, with a maximum enrollment of 15. Enrolment to Fall Semester Course on Legal and Policy Challenges to Humanitarian Action is recommended.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15; pass/fail grading only. Applications must be completed by October 8 and participants will be notified by October 19.
Course Evaluations
GHP545 Clinical Research in Resource-Limited Settings: Tanzania
WinterSession
S. Kapiga
1. 25 credits
Lectures, class discussions, field trip
January 4 - 15, 2010: Field trip, lectures and class discussions in Tanzania
This 2-week course will introduce students to practical aspects of implementing clinical research and trials in Tanzania. Students will attend two introductory lectures during the first day in Tanzania on clinical research examining the associations between HIV, HSV-2 and other sexually transmitted infections. The lectures will include theoretical presentations by the instructor, and class discussions. The students will also receive information about the research site in Moshi, northern Tanzania, and detailed information about studies which have been conducted in Moshi in the past 5-6 years as well as ongoing research projects. During the rest of the period in Moshi, students will meet with project staff involved in the implementation of ongoing studies to learn about the practical aspects of conducting studies. Students may decide to focus on only certain aspects of the study or may rotate through various sections to gain a broad picture of implementation issues. At the end of the student's stay, they will meet in a group to present and share their experiences, and produce a written joint summary report.
Course Activities: Two weeks of field trip to Tanzania, (January 4-15, 2010). Applications must be completed by October 9, and participants will be chosen by October 20, 2009.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only.
Course Evaluations
GHP569 International Health and Education
Fall
Dr. M. Jukes
5.0 Credits
Lectures, Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
Course not offered 2009-2010.
Taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Classroom: Gutman 440.
Why is health important to the educator? This course looks at how poor health and nutrition is a problem for the education sector because it keeps children out of school or prevents them from learning when they do attend. It also explores policy options for schools to be part of the solution, by providing simple, cost-effective treatments that give the greatest benefits to the poorest students, and by providing the educational foundation for a healthy life. The course also looks at how the education sector can respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemics: How can schools provide for the needs of orphans and vulnerable children? Does sex education work? Theories of education for health and for community empowerment are examined along with the political and religious context for action. The aim of the course is to provide a thorough and critical foundation in theory and its application to planning, implementation, and monitoring programs to improve children's education through improved health.
Course Evaluations
GHP570 Population Change: Cause and Consequence
Spring
Dr. K. Hill
5.0 Credits
Lecutres, Seminars. Two 1.5-hour session each week.
Cross-listed and taught at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Classroom: Taubman 401.
The aim of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the factors that shape the size and structure of human populations and of how changes in population size and structure in turn influence a range of social and economic factors. The course will start with an introduction to the population history of the world, and an analysis of how the basic demographic forces of fertility, mortality and migration influence the size and age-sex structure of a population. The focus will then turn to the cultural, social and economic determinants of these three forces of fertility, mortality and migration, with a particular emphasis on the potential role of policies. The last part of the course will examine the consequences of changes in the size and structure of populations for a range of outcomes. Case studies will illustrate the interplay of causes and consequences. The course does not require any particular disciplinary background, though it will include a brief introduction to demographic measures and will assume a general interest in quantitative analysis.
Course Note: Ordinal grading option only.
Course Evaluations
ID205 Societal Response to Disaster
Spring 1
Department of Population and International Health and the Department of Society, Human Development and Health
Dr. J. Leaning
2.5 credits
Spring 1
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour session each week.
Course held in Cambridge. 14 Story Street 2nd Floor.
Designed for physicians, public health officers, or others who may be charged with responsibility for intervention during disasters. The focus will be on public health implications of disasters well as 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 four 5-page critiques of selected disasters.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
ID250 Ethical Basis of the Practice of Public Health
Spring 1
Dr. D. Wikler
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Evaluation: Exams plus one term project (case study term paper, in-class debate, or tutorial)
Provides students with a broad overview of some of the main philosophical and moral ideas that are used as a basis for resolving debates of public health policy. Helps students develop their own capacities to analyze, criticize, evaluate, and construct policy-oriented arguments
The practice of public health require moral reflection and argument for a number of reasons. Public health measures often make demands on the public, such as changes in lifestyles or restrictions of liberties, and these must be justified. Practitioners of public health frequently face ethical dilemmas, both in framing policy and in practice in the field, whose optimal resolution is uncertain. The work of public health practitioners is sometimes challenged on moral grounds, which must be examined and, when appropriate, countered.
The resources for moral argument and justification in public health are found in moral philosophy and philosophical theories of justice; and also in history, the social sciences, and in the science of public health itself. Students in this course will survey some of the principle philosophical approaches in addressing a number of ethical controversies in contemporary public health.
Issues and concepts discussed in the course will be drawn from this list:
Definitions of health
Ethical issues in health measurement: DALYs and QALYs
Ethical norms in public health and clinical medicine
Moral epistemology and the rational foundation of moral norms
Ethics and human rights
Ethical relativism
Consequentialist and deontological ethical theories
Contractualist and rival theories of distributive justice
State coercion and paternalism in public health
Individual and social responsibility for health
Ethics and emergency humanitarian interventions
Ethical issues in health resource allocation
Health disparities and inequalities
Ethical issues in international health research involving human subjects
Ethics of public health communication
Ethical integrity of practioners: conflict of interest and corruption
(5.06)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
ID262 Introduction to the Practice of Global Health
Fall 1
Department of Global Health and Population
Dr. R. Cash
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
How is global health defined? What are its historical roots and modern manifestations? Which are the major contemporary issues and debates on policies and practices? These questions are addressed in this introductory course that defines the scope of the field, highlights contemporary issues, and reviews selective case studies of global health policies and practices. The course begins with an examination of world health and development and the rapid health transitions taking place. Key contemporary issues are critically examined--burden of disease, primary health care, disease control, child survival, pharmaceutical policy and essential drugs, health policy, and the evolving roles of international and non-governmental organizations. Interspersed throughout are several case studies of challenges facing the modern practice of global health.
Course Note: This introductory course helps prepare students for other global health offerings, including PIH244 and PIH251. (5.06)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
ID272 Financing Health Care in Developing Countries
Spring 1
Departments of Global Health and Population and Health Policy and Management.
Dr. Y. Liu, Dr. W. Hsiao
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course provides a comprehensive survey on the major health care financing options for developing countries. It begins with introduction of system diagnostic criteria such as equity and efficiency, as well as assessment tools such as the National Health Account technique. Drawing on economic theory and international experiences, the course analyzes strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches to healthcare financing, including tax-based financing, social insurance, user fee financing, community financing and other innovative financing methods. The aim is to prepare students for applied work in policy and operational analysis related to health financing. This course makes extensive use of country case studies. (3.09)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
ID292 Justice and Resource Allocation
Spring 2
Department of Population and International Health and the Department of Health Policy and Management
Dr. N. Daniels
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week
This course explores the ethical issues, especially issues of distributive justice, raised by health and health care resource allocation methodologies and decisions. We begin with examination of distributive issues raised by measures of summary population health and their extensions into cost effectiveness analysis, paying special attention to the strengths and weaknesses of the underlying welfare economic and utilitarian assumptions. Philosophical and empirical efforts to clarify our beliefs about these distributive issues and our commitments to them will also be discussed. We then turn to recent efforts to make health inequalities and inequities a focus of priority in resource allocation, examining both conceptual and moral issues raised by different approaches to such inequalities and by the fact that the distribution of health is so significantly affected by non-health sector factors. We take up two problems of cross-cutting interest, the different concern shown for identified versus statistical victims, and emerging issues about intergenerational equity concerning the elderly and young. Finally, we turn to fair decision process as a way of resolving disputes about allocation. The goal of the course is to equip students with the ethical basis for addressing resource allocation issues in practical public health contexts, and throughout the course there is a focus real cases where controversy surrounds such decisions.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
ID295 Program Evaluation of Public Health Programs
WinterSession
Department of Population and International Health and Department of Society, Human Development and Health
Dr. M.Mitchell, Dr. M. J. Brown
1.25 credits
Lectures, field work. Four 8-hour classroom sessions, one week field work, one week writing. January 4-15, 2010
This course provides students with an unusual opportunity to work alongside colleagues from the CDC in Atlanta and around the country in the design of an evaluation of the CDC program in public health. The course will begin with a one week introduction to the theory and practice of evaluation as well as an introduction to the issues involved in the design and monitoring of public health programs. This component will be held in Atlanta at CDC campus.
During the second week of class, students will travel to 12 states or other locations and work with CDC and public health officials to develop an evaluation plan for CDC funded public health programs. This evaluation plan will be used by the program mangers and the CDC to evaluate their active public health programs for the next 2-3 years.
The course will be offered for credit (1.25 credits) but can also be taken without credit (audit) if a student prefers. Students will travel through the auspices of the CDC who will cover all costs associated with flights, accommodation and meals.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 24 students.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
ID513 Ethics and Health Disparities
Spring 1
Department of Population and International Health and Department of Society Human Development and Health
Dr. Norman Daniels
2.5 credits
Not Offered 2008-2009
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
When is an inequality in health status an injustice or inequity? This course examines various aspects of this issue, bringing appropriate perspectives from ethical theories (utilitarian, libertarian, liberal egalitarian, feminist) to bear on case studies revealing a range of important health disparities. Four main cases will be discussed, each focusing on a central type of health disparity: U.S. racial disparities, class disparities, gender disparities in a developing country setting, and global health inequalities. Key questions to be pursued in each case include: when is an inequality in health between this type of demographic variable unjust? When is a policy that produces, or fails to address, such an inequality race- or gender- or class-biased in an morally objectionable way? What ethical issues are raised by different methods of measuring health inequalities? How does ascription of responsibility for health affect the fairness of health inequalities? What kind of obligations exist to address health inequalities across national boundaries? What ethical issues are raised by policy approaches to addressing health inequalities and giving priority to reducing them?
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
ID519 Culminating Experience: MPH-IH Thesis
Spring
Dr. C. Bruderlein, Dr. J. Leaning
1.25 Credits
Students must propose a written thesis in accordance with the guidelines developed by the department. The thesis topic must be on an international health problem that is considered important from either a global, national, or local perspective. Program planning, implementation and/or evaluation should be addressed. A list of suggested topics will be distributed during the organizational meeting scheduled in September, 2008.
Course Note: Open only to students in the MPH-IH concentration; signature of instructor required; ordinal grading only.
In addition, students should take part in three two-hour workshops to discuss the design of policy and programming initiatives, scheduled in October, early February and early April.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
ID535 Managing Community Health Centers
WinterSession
Dr. Paul Campbell
1.25 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies, site visits. January 12 - January 22, 2010
Students in this course will learn about the management of community health centers (CHCs), non-profit organizations that provide primary care and population-based health services for vulnerable populations across the United States. Health centers currently serve over sixteen million Americans, most of them low income and from ethnic or racial minorities. The course will enable students to see public health in action, at the local level in the Boston area where health centers provide care for approximately one-half of city residents. Facility staff, as well as HSPH faculty, will be leading discussions.
Students will learn about the history of community health centers, as well as their place in current health policy debates. They will also learn about governance, financial, human resources and quality challenges, as well as health center programs related to community development and domestic violence. They will be exposed to "real world" successes as well as failures. This course will take a more applied approach than found in most HSPH courses.
Many graduates of HSPH professional programs have pursued careers in community health centers, often as Medical or Executive Directors. Students in the following departments will be especially interested in this course: Health Policy and Management; Global Health and Population; and Society, Human Development and Health.
Course note: Enrollment limited, pass/fail grading option only. All classes will be held off-site at the Health Centers.
Course Evaluations
ID536 Business Planning for Health Organizations
Spring 2
Dr. P. Campbell
Spring 2
1.25 credits
Lectures, seminars, and case studies. One 2-hour session each week
This course has been developed for students who will be developing and managing health-related programs and projects. They will be introduced to business plans, management tools used historically by entrepreneurs to gain access to financing for their ideas. Through this course students will also learn basic business skills. Business planning draws upon concepts and tools found in a number of management disciplines, from strategic planning to marketing and financial management. Students will learn through doing. Everyone participating will be required to draft a plan to be evaluated by the instructor. Several student plans will also be discussed by the entire class. Thus, everyone must have an idea suitable for business planning before beginning this course.
This development of this course reflects transitions in health sectors around the globe. In every country managers are under growing pressure. Costs are increasing due to growing populations, demographic shifts, technology change, greater demand for consumer responsiveness and other causes. Meanwhile public budgets are often constant or even shrinking. The result is that many governments are being forced to make strategic changes in their health delivery systems. These changes include changing financing mechanisms, making greater use of the private (proprietary and non-profit) sectors, and instituting regulatory changes. Managers in both government and non-governmental health organizations (NGOs) are being forced to increase their entrepreneurial and managerial skills. Some are managing in traditional government bureaucracies, while others are in new quasi-governmental organizations or NGOs. They are all in need of new concepts and skills that can be adapted from private, for-profit management practices. They all seek sustainability.
Course Note: For course evaluation, please refer to the former number for this course, PIH 255.
Course Evaluations
RDS282 Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Benefit Analysis for Hlth Prog. Eval
Spring 2
Department of Health Policy and Management and Department of Biostatistics and Department of Population and International Health
Dr. J. Salomon Dr. U. Siebert
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Provides an introduction to methods for economic evaluation of health and environmental programs, including theory and applications. Topics include theory of benefit-cost and of cost-effectiveness analysis, definition and methods for estimating costs, stated-preference and revealed-preference methods for valuing health and mortality risk, quality adjusted life years.
Course Note: Introductory decision analysis (e.g. RDS280, HPM286) and economics (e.g. HPM205, HPM206) are recommended. (5.06)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
WGH200 Women, Gender and Health
Spring 1
Departments of Society, Human Development and Health, Global Health and Population, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health
Dr. S. Gruskin, Dr. N. Krieger
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 of women and men.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; signature of instructor required; no auditors.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
WGH207 Advanced Topics in Women, Gender and Health
Spring 2
Department of Epidemiology, Society, Human Development and Health and Population and International Health
Dr. H. Corliss, Dr. S. Austin
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour sessions 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: Minimum enrollment of 5; maximum enrollment of 20; instructor's signature required. Pass/fail only. (10.06)
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
WGH210 Women, Gender and Health: Critical Issues in Mental Health
Fall 2
Departments of Society, Human Development and Health 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 PTSD. Examples highlight US and international experience. Readings are 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.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
WGH211 Women, Gender and Health: Introductory Perspectives
Fall 1
Department of Epidemiology, Department of Society, Human Development and Health and Department of Population and International Health
Dr. S. Missmer (P), Invited guest lecturers
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. One 3-hour session each week.
This course will introduce students to gender as a theoretical concept and a category of analysis in public health-that is, the way gender has contributed to differentially structuring women and men's experiences of health. The course aims to answer such questions as: How has gender influenced the construction of public health in diverse societies? How do our social frameworks and structures, such as gender, affect people's experiences and expectations of health?
This course is designed for students who wish to enhance their understanding of, and skills to address, the social and cultural factors that have influenced the development of individual's and societal health. The interfaces among gender, class, race/ethnicity and sexuality will also be emphasized.
The course will cover a broad range of health issues for which gender has been of special importance. Topics to be covered include: reproductive health, sexual health and sexuality; violence; occupational health and work; chronic and communicable disease. Issues relating to the distribution of health, disease and well-being, including policy, will be addressed across sessions. Additionally, sessions will include international, domestic, and historical perspectives, with attention paid to both epidemiologic research and policy dimensions.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
WGH220 Sexuality and Public Health
Fall 2
Dr. S. Austin
2.5 Credits
Lectures. Case studies. One 3-hour sessions each week.
This course provides an introduction to the breadth of research and research methods in the study of sexuality and sexual health promotion in diverse contexts and populations. Students will develop skills needed to carry out epidemiologic research and community-based interventions related to sexual health promotion. Students will be introduced to ways to integrate conceptual models, methodologies, and perspectives from a variety of fields to inform a unique transdisciplinary, holistic approach to public health promotion of sexual health. Class session format includes lectures, discussions, case studies, individual and group presentations, and in-class writing assignments.
Course Note: Enrollment limited. No auditors.
Course evaluations are an important method for feedback on the quality of course offerings. The submission of a course evaluation is a requirement for this course. Your grade for the course will be made available only after you have submitted responses to at least the first three questions of the on-line evaluation for this course.
Course Evaluations
WGH300 Independent Study/Tutorial
Fall 1
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 regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time of registration; students may sign up for up to 2.5 credits per independent study topic; pass/ fail only; signature of instructor required.
Course Evaluations
WGH300 Independent Study/Tutorial
Fall 2
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 regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time of registration; students may sign up for up to 2.5 credits per independent study topic; pass/ fail only; signature of instructor required.
Course Evaluations
WGH300 Independent Study/Tutorial
WinterSession
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 regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time of registration; students may sign up for up to 2.5 credits per independent study topic; pass/ fail only; signature of instructor required.
Course Evaluations
WGH300 Independent Study/Tutorial
Spring 1
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 regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time of registration; students may sign up for up to 2.5 credits per independent study topic; pass/ fail only; signature of instructor required.
Course Evaluations
WGH300 Independent Study/Tutorial
Spring 2
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 regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time of registration; students may sign up for up to 2.5 credits per independent study topic; pass/ fail only; signature of instructor required.
Course Evaluations
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