Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective

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This introductory global health course aims to frame global health's collection of problems and actions within a particular biosocial perspective. It develops a toolkit of interdisciplinary analytical approaches and uses them to examine historical and contemporary global health initiatives with careful attention to a critical sociology of knowledge. Four physician-anthropologists - Paul Farmer, Arthur Kleinman, Anne Becker, and Salmaan Keshavjee - draw on experience working in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Americas to investigate what the field of global health comprises, how global health problems are defined and constructed, and how global health interventions play out in both expected and unexpected ways.

The course seeks to inspire and teach the following principles:

A global awareness. This course aims to enable learners to recognize the role of distinctive traditions, governments, and histories in shaping health and well being. In addition, rather than framing a faceless mass of poor populations as the subject of global health initiatives, the course uses ethnographies and case studies to situate global health problems in relation to the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

A foundation in social and historical analysis. The course demonstrates the value of social theory and historical analysis in understanding health and illness at individual and societal levels.

An ethical engagement. Throughout the course, learners will be asked to critically evaluate the ethical frameworks that have underpinned historical and contemporary engagement in global health. Learners will be pushed to consider the moral questions of inequality and suffering as well as to critically evaluate various ethical frameworks that motivate and structure attempts to redress these inequities.

A sense of inspiration and possibility. While the overwhelming challenges of global health could all too easily engender cynicism, passivity, and helplessness, learners will observe that no matter how complex the field of global health and no matter how steep the challenges, it is possible to design, implement, and foster programs and policies that make enormous positive change in the lives of the world's poorest and suffering people.

What you will learn

• How to frame a global health problem with a biosocial perspective
• How to use a toolkit of analytical approaches to examine global health initiatives so as to identify and implement effective interventions
• How to evaluate the ethical frameworks that have underpinned engagement within global health

Skills you learn

• Social Theories
• Sociology

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"Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective" is a foundational course in the Health & Fitness domain offered by edX. This engaging program invites learners to rethink global health challenges by exploring them through a case-based biosocial framework, guided by some of the foremost thinkers and practitioners in global health. Over the span of 20 hours, participants will delve into various case studies, gaining insights into the intricate interplay between biological and social factors affecting health worldwide. The course is ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of global health issues, available through both Professional and Starter subscription options. Whether you're a budding health professional or simply passionate about making a difference, this course offers valuable perspectives and practical knowledge to equip you for impactful contributions in the field of global health.