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Special Topics in Political Science (390-0-29)

Topic

Pol of Health & Int'l Development

Instructors

Kelly Hunter

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall G30: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

How is health both a means and an end of development? This course examines the myriad ways in which health intersects with key aspects of international development. In the beginning of the course, students will learn the foundations of sustainable human development and the symbiotic relationship between politics, economics, social opportunities, and health. In the second part of the course, students apply this foundational knowledge to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the World Health Organization's Health in All Policies initiative. This course includes an exploration of health-related case studies within many of the SDGs, such as the public health consequences of armed conflict (SDG 16: Peace and Justice) and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights knowledge to advance women's empowerment (SDG 5: Gender Equality). We also discuss what the shutdown of USAID means for the future of health and sustainable development. Throughout the quarter, we will analyze how ideas, interests, and institutions around health hinder or help the progression towards a more equitable society for all.

Learning Objectives

  1. Provide specific examples of the political processes, actors, and dynamics involved in creating sustainable development policy and their impacts on health outcomes.
  2. Analyze written and verbal arguments regarding the role of health in sustainable development and respectfully respond to them through written and oral communication.
  3. Construct and defend an in-depth analysis of issues pertaining to health and sustainable development.
  4. Work as a team to design a health intervention in pursuit of one of the UN's sustainable development goals.

Teaching Method

active learning, discussion, seminar

Evaluation Method

class participation, quizzes, final project (presentation and written report)

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for Political Science students until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites.