Skip To Content Skip To Menu Skip To Footer

Health Studies Current Courses

Fall 2024

Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
HEST 250-01 Reproductive Justice
Instructor: Katie Oliviero
Course Description:
Cross-listed with WGSS 224-01. Reproductive Justice is a global social movement strategy and human rights platform that places reproductive power in the context of the larger social, racial and economic well-being of women, communities and families (Ross 2011). This course explores the origins and applications of reproductive justice. It investigates how the reproductive lives of many people, particularly women of color, are embedded in embattled legal, social, economic, racial and national frameworks that shape their capacity to control their intimate and procreative lives. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the course first maps reproductive justices origins, exploring: political philosophies of sexual and reproductive liberty; racialized and disability-based histories of eugenics, population control, and adoption; the black womens health movement; birth control and abortion law; social welfare and healthcare politics; the reproductive politics of incarceration and state violence; disability and prenatal testing; and the transnational and LGBTQ applications of assisted reproductive technologies. The course will subsequently explore how reproductive justice platforms can enable diverse people to thrive: making the decision to prevent, terminate or have a pregnancy a real choice. It will assess the conditions that enable access to quality health care, economic security, racial justice, womens equality, transgender and queer rights, environmental sustainability, disability justice, sexual autonomy, and community vitality.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, TF
DENNY 204
HEST 400-01 Senior Seminar in Health Studies
Instructor: James Hoefler
Course Description:
The Senior Seminar in Health Studies is an interdisciplinary, topics driven course, with specific foci dependent upon the specialization(s) of the instructor. Students will survey the relevant literatures of at least two disciplines; identify specific problems or topics; complete a research project based on secondary and/or primary sources; and offer a final presentation of interdisciplinary work (in the forms of academic papers, oral presentations, or some other creative project (including film, narrative, performance, etc.). Prerequisite: 201 and at least two other courses in Health Studies (as accepted by Health Studies Coordinator), or permission of instructor.Normally offered fall semester.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
TOME 213
HEST 400-02 Senior Seminar in Health Studies
Instructor: John Henson
Course Description:
The Senior Seminar in Health Studies is an interdisciplinary, topics driven course, with specific foci dependent upon the specialization(s) of the instructor. Students will survey the relevant literatures of at least two disciplines; identify specific problems or topics; complete a research project based on secondary and/or primary sources; and offer a final presentation of interdisciplinary work (in the forms of academic papers, oral presentations, or some other creative project (including film, narrative, performance, etc.). Prerequisite: 201 and at least two other courses in Health Studies (as accepted by Health Studies Coordinator), or permission of instructor.Normally offered fall semester.

Courses Offered in BIOL
Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
BIOL 132-01 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells: Developmental Biology
Instructor: Missy Niblock, Zoe Irons
Course Description:
This introductory course approaches core biological themes from the molecular and cellular level, and is complementary to BIOL 131, Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include biomolecule and cell structure and function; cell signaling and communication; chromosome and gene structure; DNA replication; transcription; and translation. The course will involve lecture, discussion, and readings from scientific literature. Laboratory exercises include both classic and modern approaches to cellular and molecular biology utilizing prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms. The laboratory will stress the discovery approach in applying current techniques to biological experiments. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before completing upper level coursework. It is complementary to BIOL 131 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems, and the courses may be taken in either order.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
JAMESR 2218
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
TOME 115
BIOL 132-03 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells Topics: Microbiology and Immunology
Instructor: John Henson
Course Description:
This introductory course approaches core biological themes from the molecular and cellular level, and is complementary to BIOL 131, Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include biomolecule and cell structure and function; cell signaling and communication; chromosome and gene structure; DNA replication; transcription; and translation. The course will involve lecture, discussion, and readings from scientific literature. Laboratory exercises include both classic and modern approaches to cellular and molecular biology utilizing prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms. The laboratory will stress the discovery approach in applying current techniques to biological experiments. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before completing upper level coursework. It is complementary to BIOL 131 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems, and the courses may be taken in either order.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
TOME 115
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
JAMESR 2218
BIOL 326-01 Microbiology w/Lab
Instructor: David Kushner
Course Description:
Permission of Instructor Required Molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry (structure and function) of bacteria, archaea, and viruses. Includes an introduction to the immune system and mechanisms of medical control of microbes. Molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis are addressed via readings from the recent primary literature. Laboratory exercises include the isolation and characterization of unknown bacteria using traditional and molecular methods, and modern genomic approaches to characterizing host response to infection. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC 200.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
RNORTH 1316
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
STUART 1113
BIOL 335-01 Microanatomy
Instructor: John Henson
Course Description:
An integrated lecture and laboratory course focused on the functional microanatomy/histology of mammals. This course will examine the microscopic anatomy of cells, tissues, organ, and organ systems and the crucial relationship between form and function. The laboratory portion of the course will emphasize the process of microscopic examination and cover methods of contemporary histologic technique. Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC 200. An integrated lecture and laboratory course focused on the functional microanatomy/histology of mammals. This course will examine the microscopic anatomy of cells, tissues, organ, and organ systems and the crucial relationship between form and function. The laboratory portion of the course will emphasize the process of microscopic examination and cover methods of contemporary histologic technique. Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC 200.
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
JAMESR 1218
Courses Offered in ENGL
Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
ENGL 321-01 Plague Years
Instructor: Claire Seiler
Course Description:
Cross-listed with WGSS 301-02. This course studies British, Irish, and US literature and culture of two public health crises: the influenza pandemic of 1918-20 and the polio epidemics that began in the late nineteenth century. How were the flu and polio represented in literary and popular culture? What forms did a range of textsinnovative novels, womens magazines, poems, African American newspapers, filmsadopt to consolidate or challenge the stories that states preferred to tell themselves about the ravages of the influenza pandemic or the vaccine victory over polio? How can the contested literary, political, and cultural legacies of the flu and polio help us to think about both public discourse around COVID-19 and the inequities laid bare by the pandemic? As it pursues these questions, Plague Years introduces students to the interdisciplinary fields of the health humanities and disability studies. The course pursues illuminating readings of literary works by James Baldwin, Willa Cather, J.G. Farrell, Katherine Anne Porter, Virginia Woolf, and W.B. Yeats, among others, and concludes with two signal works of the coronavirus pandemic: Ali Smiths Summer (2020) and Zadie Smiths Intimations (2020).
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, MR
EASTC 314
Courses Offered in FREN
Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
FREN 232-01 Professional French
Instructor: Adeline Soldin
Course Description:
This course prepares students for professional work in international and multilingual contexts, with a particular focus on the francophone world. Students will acquire communication and intercultural skills specific to professional environments. As a WiD class, this course develops students written expression through the practice of professional genres such as CVs and cover letters, publicity, memoranda, and business proposals. It further advances students linguistic and intercultural proficiency by stressing the use of specialized vocabulary and appropriate registers when conducting business in French and Francophone workplaces. Students will learn about various sectors of the economy, including public health, international relations, and global marketing, with a general emphasis on sustainable business practices. Most importantly, students will have the opportunity to apply what they are studying in the classroom through a service-learning component. Students will complete 20-25 hours of volunteer work interpreting and translating health-related material for migrant workers in the region, allowing them to gain valuable professional skills and experience. This course prepares students for professional work in a Francophone context. Students will learn about the job search and application process as well as cultural norms and practices in Francophone workplaces. Emphasis is placed on developing professional communication and intercultural skills specific to professional contexts. As a WID class, this course develops students written expression with a focus on professional genres such as CVs and cover letters, publicity, memoranda, and business proposals. It further advances students linguistic and intercultural proficiency by teaching them how to use specialized vocabulary and appropriate registers to conduct business in French and Francophone working environments. Students will learn about different types of organizations from various sectors of the economy, preparing them for work in a range of fields. This course also contains experiential learning components that develop oral communication including interaction with francophone companies and institutions and mock job interviews.Prerequisite: FREN 202 or equivalent.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
BOSLER 313
Courses Offered in LALC
Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
LALC 239-01 Spanish for the Health Professions
Instructor: Jorge Sagastume
Course Description:
Cross-listed with SPAN 239-01. This is a specialized course emphasizing Spanish language and culture as they relate to health and medicine. The course goal is written and oral communication and cultural fluency as they relate to Global Health Care, Food Security, Immigration, and the delivery of health-care services to Limited-English-Proficient, Hispanic patients. Off-campus volunteer work with native Spanish speakers is required. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or above, or permission of instructor. This course is cross-listed as SPAN 239.
03:00 PM-04:15 PM, TF
LIBRY E. ASIAN
Courses Offered in PSYC
Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
PSYC 120-01 Introduction to Health Psychology
Instructor: Michele Ford, Supriya Dixit
Course Description:
This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the interdisciplinary field of health psychology, which uses scientific research methods to study the bi-directional relationship between psychology and health. We will discuss psychological states such as stress and how they affect the body, and mental processes such as finding meaning that are associated with effective coping and positive health outcomes. We will also study health behaviors such as exercise, sleep, eating, and substance use. Finally, we will explore how psychological concepts and research can be applied to health promotion and illness prevention. Course content will be especially relevant to students considering careers in health care or public health. This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the interdisciplinary field of health psychology, which uses scientific research methods to study the bi-directional relationship between psychology and health. We will discuss psychological states such as stress and how they affect the body, and mental processes such as finding meaning that are associated with effective coping and positive health outcomes. We will also study health behaviors such as exercise, sleep, eating, and substance use. Finally, we will explore how psychological concepts and research can be applied to health promotion and illness prevention. Course content will be especially relevant to students considering careers in health care or public health.
12:30 PM-01:20 PM, MWF
KAUF 179
PSYC 125-01 Brain and Behavior w/Lab
Instructor: Emily Brown
Course Description:
This course will introduce the structure and function of the brain as it influences human behavior. Findings from neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and endocrinology will be considered in their relation to a number of behavioral processes such as perception, memory, and social behavior. In the laboratory, students will engage in hands-on activities to explore brain anatomy and brain-behavior relationships. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
KAUF 179
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
JAMESR 1206
PSYC 165-01 Psychopathology
Instructor: Nancy Farber
Course Description:
An introduction to various psychological disorders and techniques of diagnosis and treatment. Relevant for students who anticipate careers in medicine, law, and the social or psychological services. This course is a Health Studies elective.
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
BOSLER 208
PSYC 165-02 Psychopathology
Instructor: Nancy Farber
Course Description:
An introduction to various psychological disorders and techniques of diagnosis and treatment. Relevant for students who anticipate careers in medicine, law, and the social or psychological services. This course is a Health Studies elective.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
BOSLER 208
PSYC 175-01 Introduction to Community Psychology
Instructor: Michele Ford, Howard Rosen
Course Description:
This course will provide an introduction to the field of community psychology. Community psychology focuses on promoting well-being and preventing negative mental health and social outcomes by understanding persons-in-context and the ways that social issues, institutions, and settings impact individuals, families and communities. In the course, we will: (a) review the historical underpinnings of community psychology; (b) examine the field's major tenets and theories, including its emphasis on understanding the role of the environment in human behavior; (c) explore he field's application to prevent negative mental health and social outcomes and promote well-being and social justice. This course will provide an introduction to the field of community psychology. Community psychology focuses on promoting well-being and preventing negative mental health and social outcomes by understanding persons-in-context and the ways that social issues, institutions, and settings impact individuals, families and communities. In the course, we will: (a) review the historical underpinnings of community psychology; (b) examine the field's major tenets and theories, including its emphasis on understanding the role of the environment in human behavior; (c) explore he field's application to prevent negative mental health and social outcomes and promote well-being and social justice.
03:00 PM-04:15 PM, TF
KAUF 179
PSYC 375-01 Research Methods in Community Psychology Research: Program Evaluation
Instructor: Sharon Kingston
Course Description:
Community Psychology is an applied subdiscipline of psychology that uses social and behavioral science to enhance the well-being of people and their communities and to prevent harmful outcomes. In this course, students will learn how to conduct a program evaluation, one of the primary research methods used in community psychology. Program evaluation uses social science research methods to systematically collect information that can be used to improve social, educational and health services. Although community psychologists use many different methodologies (including field experiments, quasi-experimental methods, correlational research and qualitative research), this intensive class will focus on program evaluation because it is one of the most commonly used methods in community psychology and is considered a core competency for community psychologists. This is a community-based research class and we will be partnering with a community agency to evaluate their services. Three hours classroom plus three hours laboratory a week. Prerequisites: 210 & 211. Community Psychology is an applied subdiscipline of psychology that uses social and behavioral science to enhance the well-being of people and their communities and to prevent harmful outcomes. In this course, students will learn how to conduct a program evaluation, one of the primary research methods used in community psychology. Program evaluation uses social science research methods to systematically collect information that can be used to improve social, educational and health services. Although community psychologists use many different methodologies (including field experiments, quasi-experimental methods, correlational research and qualitative research), this intensive class will focus on program evaluation because it is one of the most commonly used methods in community psychology and is considered a core competency for community psychologists. This is a community-based research class and we will be partnering with a community agency to evaluate their services. Three hours classroom plus three hours laboratory a week. Prerequisites: 210 & 211.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, TF
KAUF 185
03:00 PM-04:15 PM, TF
KAUF 185
Courses Offered in SPAN
Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
SPAN 239-01 Spanish for the Health Professions
Instructor: Jorge Sagastume
Course Description:
Cross-listed with LALC 239-01. This is a specialized course emphasizing Spanish language and culture as they relate to health and medicine. The course goal is written and oral communication and cultural fluency as they relate to Global Health Care, Food Security, Immigration, and the delivery of health-care services to Limited-English-Proficient, Hispanic patients. Off-campus volunteer work with native Spanish speakers is required. Prerequisite: 202 or 205. This course is cross-listed as LALC 239.
03:00 PM-04:15 PM, TF
LIBRY E. ASIAN
Courses Offered in WGSS
Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
WGSS 224-01 Reproductive Justice
Instructor: Katie Oliviero
Course Description:
Cross-listed with HEST 250-01. Reproductive Justice is a global social movement strategy and human rights platform that places reproductive power in the context of the larger social, racial and economic well-being of women, communities and families (Ross 2011). This course explores the origins and applications of reproductive justice. It investigates how the reproductive lives of many people, particularly women of color, are embedded in embattled legal, social, economic, racial and national frameworks that shape their capacity to control their intimate and procreative lives. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the course first maps reproductive justices origins, exploring: political philosophies of sexual and reproductive liberty; racialized and disability-based histories of eugenics, population control, and adoption; the black womens health movement; birth control and abortion law; social welfare and healthcare politics; the reproductive politics of incarceration and state violence; disability and prenatal testing; and the transnational and LGBTQ applications of assisted reproductive technologies. The course will subsequently explore how reproductive justice platforms can enable diverse people to thrive: making the decision to prevent, terminate or have a pregnancy a real choice. It will assess the conditions that enable access to quality health care, economic security, racial justice, womens equality, transgender and queer rights, environmental sustainability, disability justice, sexual autonomy, and community vitality.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, TF
DENNY 204
WGSS 301-02 Plague Years
Instructor: Claire Seiler
Course Description:
Cross-listed with ENGL 321-01. This course studies British, Irish, and US literature and culture of two public health crises: the influenza pandemic of 1918-20 and the polio epidemics that began in the late nineteenth century. How were the flu and polio represented in literary and popular culture? What forms did a range of textsinnovative novels, womens magazines, poems, African American newspapers, filmsadopt to consolidate or challenge the stories that states preferred to tell themselves about the ravages of the influenza pandemic or the vaccine victory over polio? How can the contested literary, political, and cultural legacies of the flu and polio help us to think about both public discourse around COVID-19 and the inequities laid bare by the pandemic? As it pursues these questions, Plague Years introduces students to the interdisciplinary fields of the health humanities and disability studies. The course pursues illuminating readings of literary works by James Baldwin, Willa Cather, J.G. Farrell, Katherine Anne Porter, Virginia Woolf, and W.B. Yeats, among others, and concludes with two signal works of the coronavirus pandemic: Ali Smiths Summer (2020) and Zadie Smiths Intimations (2020).
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, MR
EASTC 314