Special Topics in Political Science (390-0-34)
Topic
Politics of Global Health
Instructors
Kelly Hunter
Meeting Info
555 Clark B03: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
This seminar approaches global health topics from a political science perspective. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, global health security, global health governance, and global health diplomacy have emerged as key issues in understanding geopolitics. How do power dynamics shape the global health landscape? Who are the various actors (state and non-state; public and private) involved in global health decisions and how do they wield power to shape policy? How do these tactics combat or reinforce health disparities? What factors make collective action and cooperation around global health issues more likely? Throughout the course we investigate how state and local governments are influenced through top-down approaches from international institutions and bottom-up approaches from grass-roots organizations. In addition to a focus on understanding how actors and processes engage in agenda setting and influence policymaking, we will discuss how enacted policies and political events impact health services delivery and population health. Students will explore these dynamics through case studies such as vaccination campaigns, abortion access, noncommunicable disease management, HIV/AIDS, TB, and climate-driven health crises, among others. Ultimately, we examine the ways in which states navigate the tension between sovereignty and cooperation when striving for global health security in an increasingly inter-connected world.
Learning Objectives
After participating in this course, students will be able to:
1. Provide specific examples of the political processes, actors, and dynamics involved in creating global health policy and their impacts on population health.
2. Analyze written and verbal arguments regarding the politics of global health policy and respectfully respond to them through written and oral communication.
3. Construct and defend an in-depth analysis on issues pertaining to global health policy.
4. Work as a team to analyze a global health threat and provide suggested policy solutions factoring in priorities and hesitancies from various stakeholders and constituents.
Teaching Method
seminar, student-led discussion
Evaluation Method
Class Participation: 20%
Writing Reflections: 50%
Final Presentation and Written Report: 30%