Special Topics in Global Health (390-0-32)

Topic

Global Circulations & Human Health: Migrations & T

Instructors

Sokhieng Au

Meeting Info

University Hall 218: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

Human circulations and human values: global mobilities of people and products of human origin.

Human beings and human products are on the move across the globe, shaped by inequities that drive poor health outcomes for many involved in these flows even as these movements should, ideally, provide benefits for most. More people are being forced from their homes than ever before in history; more and more are being turned away as they seek resettlement. Global economic migration is poorly regulated and rife with exploitation. Cadaver procuration relies largely on the dying destitute and marginalized. The flow of human organs for transplantation increasingly moves from the poor in the Global South to the rich in the Global North. Altruistic donations of cord blood enrich private cord banks. Even the production of human babies through international surrogacy is driven by economic inequities. We will situate the movement of human beings and human parts as both a historical and a contemporary phenomenon, focusing on concepts such as equity, commodification, beneficence, human dignity, and common good. We will examine the role of advocacy, law, politics and ethics in preserving dignity and health as human beings and human parts increasingly circulate across international boundaries.

This course is appropriate for all students with a genuine interest in these topics regardless of major or class level.

Class Materials (Required)

All required materials will be available on Canvas.

Class Attributes

No Freshmen