Course Description
Examines the history of public health from the early twentieth century to the present in global and comparative perspective. Topics include colonial medicine and infectious disease; public health and nation-building; global health governance; maternal and child health; the rise of community health and primary health care; pharmaceutical development and medical research; and contemporary health and wellness cultures.
Athena Title
History of Public Health
Pre or Corequisite
One course in HIST or PBHL or FHCE or GLOB or GPST or INTL or DMAN or PADP or POLS or WMST or third- or fourth-year student standing
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to identify and explain major developments in the history of public health from the early twentieth century to the present.
- Students will be able to analyze how political, economic, and social contexts have shaped public health programs across different regions and evaluate their legacies for present-day health debates.
- Students will be able to practice applied historical research skills by analyzing primary and secondary sources, crafting evidence-based arguments, and communicating findings in written projects.
Topical Outline
- Colonial medicine and health systems
- Epidemics and Infectious Disease
- Population and Nutrition
- Public Health and Nation-building
- International Health and Global Governance
- Community Health and Primary Care
- HIV/AIDS and Global Responses
- Traditional Medicine
- Maternal and Child Health
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Research
- Health and Human Security
- Faith and Health
- Infectious Disease in the 21st century
- Contemporary Health and Wellness
