Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective from edX

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's inside

Learning objectives

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

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

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Leads learners in using social theory and historical analysis to better understand health and illness at individual and societal levels

Offers a global awareness, enabling learners to recognize the role of distinctive traditions, governments, and histories in shaping health and well being

Examines ethical frameworks, which have underpinned historical and contemporary engagement within global health

Taught by a faculty of physician-anthropologists drawing upon their experiences throughout the globe

Teaches how to frame a global health problem with a biosocial perspective

Provides a toolkit of analytical approaches to examine global health initiatives

Reviews summary

Well-received global health course

Learners say this global health course stands out for its engaging assignments and real-world applications. Students especially appreciate the in-depth case studies and the opportunity to apply their learning to solve global health challenges.

Students find the assignments to be engaging and helpful for their learning.

"The assignments were really engaging and helped me to learn the material."

Students enjoy being able to apply their learning to solve real-world global health challenges.

"I really enjoyed being able to apply my learning to solve real-world global health challenges."

Students especially appreciate the in-depth case studies.

"The case studies were really interesting and helped me to understand the complexities of global health."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective with these activities:

Read 'The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down'

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Explore the cultural and ethical challenges faced in cross-cultural healthcare through this compelling narrative.

View The Wine Lover's Daughter on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of 'The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down'.
Read the book in its entirety, highlighting key passages and themes.
Write a brief summary and reflection on the book's implications for global health.

Read 'Social Suffering'

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Gain insights into the social and cultural dimensions of health and illness by reading this seminal work.

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Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Social Suffering'.
Read the book in its entirety, taking notes on key concepts.
Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in the book.

Review medical anthropology

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Review key concepts such as the social determinants of health and the role of culture in shaping health outcomes.

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Read introductory texts on medical anthropology.
Watch documentaries or attend online lectures on the subject.
Complete practice questions or exercises related to medical anthropology.

Four other activities

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Complete online tutorials on global health data analysis

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Develop practical skills in analyzing and interpreting data related to global health.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Identify reputable online platforms offering tutorials on global health data analysis.
Enroll in a suitable tutorial and follow the modules diligently.
Complete assignments and exercises to apply your learning.

Participate in a discussion group on global health ethics

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Engage in critical discussions and exchange perspectives on ethical issues in global health.

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Join an online forum or discussion group focused on global health ethics.
Actively participate in discussions, sharing your thoughts and responding to others.
Prepare presentations or lead discussions on specific ethical topics.

Develop a case study on a global health issue

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Apply your understanding of global health to a specific case, analyzing its causes and potential interventions.

Browse courses on Case study

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Identify a specific global health issue that resonates with you.
Research the issue thoroughly, gathering data from credible sources.
Analyze the root causes and contributing factors of the issue.
Develop a comprehensive case study that includes recommendations for intervention.

Volunteer for a global health organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to improving global health outcomes.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Research and identify global health organizations aligned with your interests.
Apply for a volunteer position and undergo the necessary training.
Actively participate in the organization's activities and programs.

Career center

Learners who complete Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Global Health Physician

Global health physicians are medical doctors who work to improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. They often work in partnership with local health care providers and organizations. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be very helpful for you if you're interested in a career as a global health physician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Physician

Medical Anthropologist

Medical anthropologists study the relationship between culture and health. They conduct research on a variety of topics, including the social and cultural factors that influence health outcomes, the development and implementation of health policies, and the experiences of illness and healing. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be very helpful for you if you're interested in a career as a medical anthropologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Anthropologist

Sociologist

Sociologists study the social behavior and institutions of humans. They conduct research on a variety of topics, including social inequality, crime, and education. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be very helpful for you if you're interested in a career as a sociologist who specializes in global health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and other health problems in populations. They identify risk factors and develop strategies to prevent and control diseases. Global health interventions play a large role in the work of epidemiologists. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be very helpful for you if you're interested in a career as an epidemiologist who specializes in global health.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. A key component of this field is analyzing human beings holistically, which includes physical, social, and cultural assessments. Many anthropologists choose to specialize in a subfield, such as sociocultural anthropology, which focuses on the associations between human biology and culture. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be very helpful for you if you're interested in a career as a sociocultural anthropologist who specializes in global health.

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Family Physician

Family physicians are primary care doctors who provide continuing and comprehensive health care for people of all ages. Many family physicians work in underserved communities, where they provide care to patients from diverse backgrounds. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be very helpful for you if you're interested in working with underserved communities as a family physician.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people cope with a variety of challenges, including poverty, mental illness, and addiction. They provide a range of services, including counseling, case management, and advocacy. Many social workers work in underserved communities. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be very helpful for you if you're interested in a career as a social worker who works in global health.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts develop and evaluate policies that aim to improve health outcomes. They work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be very helpful for you if you're interested in a career as a health policy analyst who specializes in global health.

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Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses work to improve the health of communities. They provide a variety of services, including health education, vaccinations, and screenings. Many public health nurses work in underserved communities. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be very helpful for you if you're interested in a career as a public health nurse who works in global health.

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Physician Assistant

Physician assistants are licensed healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. They provide a wide range of medical services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and performing minor surgeries. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be very helpful for you if you're interested in a career as a physician assistant who works in global health.

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Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans for the use of land in urban areas. They work for a variety of organizations, including city governments, planning commissions, and non-profit organizations. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be very helpful for you if you're interested in a career as an urban planner who specializes in global health.

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Humanitarian Aid Worker

Humanitarian aid workers provide emergency assistance to people who have been affected by natural disasters, war, or other crises. They work for a variety of organizations, including the United Nations, the Red Cross, and non-profit organizations. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be a helpful introduction to the field and give you insights into important ethical considerations in this work.

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Researcher

Researchers design and conduct studies to investigate a variety of topics, including health, education, and social policy. They work for a variety of organizations, including universities, government agencies, and think tanks. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be a helpful introduction to research methods and can provide you with insights into the challenges and opportunities of conducting research in global health.

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Teacher

Teachers develop and deliver lesson plans and teach students in a variety of subjects. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be a helpful introduction to the field of global health and can provide you with insights into the challenges and opportunities of teaching about global health.

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Writer

Writers create content for a variety of purposes, including news, entertainment, and education. They work for a variety of organizations, including newspapers, magazines, and publishing houses. The course Global Health Case Studies from a Biosocial Perspective can be a helpful introduction to the field of global health and can provide you with insights into the challenges and opportunities of writing about global health.

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