PBH 327 - Public Health in Panamá

1 course unit

The study of public health is rooted in the notion that health is both a human right and the product of multiple and varied factors. In this course we will put that notion to the test, considering the global objectives for good health and the medical, environmental, socioeconomic, and political elements that facilitate -or hinder- achievement of those goals. In particular, we will examine the case of Panamá, preparing research projects over the course of the semester that will then be completed using data and experiences from a two-week visit to Panamá. Areas of focus include access to potable water, control of mosquito breeding areas, women’s health issues, language access in areas where other languages or illiteracy dominate, intersections of institutional health and local cultural practices, and funding policies for health centers in marginal and indigenous regions. To consolidate a sustainable relationship with our Panamanian partners, we will also design and complete a service project at a rural hospital. The class is conducted in English with Spanish. The Spanish language component of the course includes an introduction to essential communication for healthcare and public health interviews; more advanced Spanish students will be introduced to the skills of oral interpreting and transcription.
This course is cross-listed with SPN 327.
Prerequisite(s): SPN 102 - Elementary Spanish II or permission of instructor.
Meets general academic requirement DE, SL, and IL.