Public Health

In this seminar course, we will discuss health policy, focusing on issues in the United States. We will discuss how health policy is made at the federal and state level. We will look at major health care-related programs in the United States, federal agencies that affect the health of Americans, and state-level health policy.

3 CreditsWK-SIPre- or co-requisite: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109.

The study of human social groups and the social processes that lead to both structural and cultural integration and differentiation primarily within contemporary American society.

3 CreditsS

This course provides an introduction to lifespan development from conception, through birth, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and various stages of adulthood. Explores perspectives on the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural aspects of development over time. Examines human diversity as well as similarities in growth and development, utilizing theory and research. Discusses implications for prevention and intervention related to common developmental challenges and adversities. 

3 CreditsS,WK-SIPre-Req or Co-Req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

A conceptual study of the meanings, nature, scope, implementation and evaluation of social policy as it relates to issues of social welfare. 

3 CreditsSPrerequisite: SW-231

The optimizing behavior of households and firms serves as the focal point in this study of market-based resource allocation. Supply and demand analysis, spending and saving decisions of households, production and employment decisions of firms, alternative market structures, and environmental economics are among the topics covered. 

3 CreditsSPrerequisite: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing. 

Health Economics applies economic analysis to better understand the functioning of the healthcare industry. Topics willinclude demand for healthcare and health insurance, information problems, healthcare costs, comparative healthcare systems and healthcare policy. 

3 CreditsSPrerequisite: EB223 Principles of Microeconomics 

This course is a seminar-style course in 'professional ethics'. It will explore the various codes, value assumptions, and dilemmas faced by those who practice the health care professions. Specific topics (or dilemmas) will be determined by each class, based upon the specific POEs of the enrolled students. 

4 CreditsH,SW-ERPre-req or co-req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109 

This seminar serves as an introduction to evidence-based public health. The course will utilize public health methodologies to investigate historical and current public health issues.

4 CreditsS,N,WK-SPPre-req or co-req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109.

In this class, students will learn how to read, understand, and conduct social research about individuals and systems that create disparity in health care and outcomes. The research that we will read and learn to conduct will rely on texts and stories rather than numbers and statistics. The class will address questions such as: what conditions are present that allow some populations greater access to health care than others? What social problems underlie the disparities in health outcomes for women, people of color, and people from low-income backgrounds. Students will gather and analyze their own research data.

3 CreditsS, WK-SIPre-Req or Co-Req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

In this course, students will engage in the policymaking process in Huntingdon. In conjunction with local policymakers, students will research a community problem and make policy recommendations based onthat research. Class discussions will focus on common community issues in America (such as environmental and healthcare problems) in addition to research methods and local policymaking processes.

4 CreditsSW-LEPrerequisite or corequisite: FYC or CWS

In this course, we will discuss gender and healthcare policy around the world, focusing on the ethical responsibilities of healthcare policymakers and providers. We consider how gender affects policy and health outcomes in various ways, depending on the cultural context. Class discussions will address topics such as reproductive rights and LGBTQ healthcare access.

3 CreditsSW-ERPre-Req or Co-Req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

This course explores the constructs of race, ethnicity, and identity with a focus on how they help us understand ourselves, societies, and the relationship between self and society. The course explores race, racism, antiracism, equality, and hierarchy. As a Social Inquiry course, this course emphasizes social scientific methodologies to address these topics.

3 CreditsS,WK-SIPre- or Co-Req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109.

Course will examine empirical findings from disciplines of psychology, medicine, and public health. Course topics include research methods, stress and social support, health behavior and primary prevention, management of chronic/terminal illnesses, gender and cultural issues in health, and psychoneuroimmunology. An underlying theme will be to dispel health-related myths and fads that are so prevalent in popular media.

4 CreditsSPrerequisites: PY-101.

The study of rhetoric investigates the art of persuasion. The course introduces the basic rhetorical concepts and language we need to make sense of the sea of messages we swim in. The course aims to sharpen your ability to reason, reflect, send, perceive and discern messages in a variety of contexts. Upon completion of this course students understand several humanistic perspectives toward communication and are able to apply the basic tools of rhetorical analysis. Students have an increased awareness of the ways in which our symbolic behaviors shape our social lives.

3 CreditsH, CS 

This course provides an in-depth view ofthe relationship between families, schools, and communities. While exploring their own beliefs and values, students examine family diversity and the impact of socioeconomic status, culture, language, lifestyle, and ethnicity on child development. Discussion will focus on building effective partnerships with families, schools, and community members through development of strategies that establish culturally sensitive and nurturing relationships. In addition, best practices related to trauma informed instruction will be integrated throughout course content.

3 Credits

Explores how communication functions to promote health, the important role of information in health care, the development of communication campaigns to promote health awareness, alternative and multicultural approaches to health care, the promotion of ethical health communication, and the use of new health communication technologies.

3 CreditsHPrerequisite: CM-130 or CM-132 or CM-133

The purpose of this course will be to gain an understanding of the science behind the genome project and develop an understanding how ethical norms are established and challenged. Students will discuss and debate the potential implications of this new technology for them as individuals and for society in general. NOTE: Students are expected to be in their third or fourth year when taking a Connections course.

4 CreditsCONN,IC,CTGES 

In this course, students learn to recognize health disparities within communities and identify ways to intervene and advocate to promote better health outcomes for community members. Students will explore how poor health outcomes for individuals and communities are linked to social determinants of health. This course uses the competencies for community health workers established by the Pennsylvania Certification Board. NOTE: Students are expected to be in their third or fourth year when taking a Connections course.

4 CreditsCONN,IC

This course examines symbolic patterns of communication as they relate to issues of diversity. Interactive skills needed to open channels of communication between and among people of diverse backgrounds are analyzed and developed. A multi-cultural approach to the study of human communication serves as a basis for exploring issues of diversity that include but are not limited to race, gender, class, ability, orientation, religion and ethnicity.

3 CreditsH, I, SW-GEPrerequisite or Corequisite: FYC-101

Introduces the methodological skills necessary for conducting research and for becoming a better consumer of psychological science. Students will learn to think critically about claims and accurately summarize primary source articles about behavior. Students will learn statistical concepts commonly used to evaluate data, how to effectively communicate research, and make ethical judgments informed by APA ethical standards.

4 Credits Prerequisite: PY-101

The second part of an integrated course sequence applying the scientific process to the fields of Social Work and Sociology, emphasizing key research concepts, commonly used quantitative and qualitative methods, and the ability to communicate effectively about research with written and verbal skills. The course teaches students not only to conduct research but also to consume and utilize research.

3 CreditsS