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| This course presents an introduction to the factors that influence individual health and the health of our nation. The class shows how social scientists apply theories and research to learn more about real life problems and how this research influences public policy and planning. It takes a broad approach, considering medical care to be one of three principal factors influencing health, along with social and behavioral factors (e.g. tobacco, obesity, injury and psychosocial issues) and environmental issues (e.g. clean air, clean water, drug safety and food safety). In each class we examine the empirical evidence linking one of these factors, such as tobacco, to health, and then we explore the different public policy and planning approaches (e.g. taxation, regulation, guidelines) that are used to address the issue as well as their relative effectiveness. Over the course of the term students will conduct three mini social science research studies related to the course material. For example, students may use public records on restaurant inspections to examine the relationship between the wealth of a neighborhood and restaurant food safety practices. |
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