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COVID-19 & Society

Inequality in Global Pandemics

Dr. Katherine Lyon

What lessons can we learn from COVID-19? How was society organized leading up to the pandemic, and how could it be organized for the future? Regardless of your academic background, this curated series of expert lectures will help you explore health, climate change, and social justice in the COVID-19 era.

Learn with award-winning faculty members from the University of British Columbia. This course will bring a sociological lens to complex pandemic challenges, and aid in situating COVID-19 as a global issue that requires a collective, collaborative response.

Read more

What lessons can we learn from COVID-19? How was society organized leading up to the pandemic, and how could it be organized for the future? Regardless of your academic background, this curated series of expert lectures will help you explore health, climate change, and social justice in the COVID-19 era.

Learn with award-winning faculty members from the University of British Columbia. This course will bring a sociological lens to complex pandemic challenges, and aid in situating COVID-19 as a global issue that requires a collective, collaborative response.

What you'll learn

This lecture series will challenge you to:

  • Connect your local COVID-19 experiences to global trends
  • Consider how ageism and racism are exacerbating the coronavirus
  • Assess COVID-19 impacts on existing health inequalities
  • Identify links between COVID-19 and climate change
Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Connect your local covid-19 experiences to global trends
  • Consider how ageism and racism are exacerbating the coronavirus
  • Assess covid-19 impacts on existing health inequalities
  • Identify links between covid-19 and climate change

Syllabus

The COVID-19 lecture series is curated by Dr. Katherine Lyon, who offers a brief introduction to each topic and suggested literature for further reading. Lectures are pre-recorded so you can watch at your own pace.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners
Develops professional skills in health, climate change, and social justice
Introduces concepts in sociology
Addresses complex pandemic challenges using a sociological lens
Teaches learners about COVID-19 and health inequity
Examines health issues that are relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Covid-19 & society: inequality explored

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and highly relevant exploration of COVID-19's multifaceted societal impacts. Students appreciate the diverse perspectives from expert lecturers from the University of British Columbia, who cover critical topics like health inequality, ageism, racism, and the links to climate change. Many found the content thought-provoking and praised the flexible, self-paced lecture format. While some wished for more in-depth coverage in specific areas, the course generally provides a comprehensive overview, making complex issues accessible to a broad audience, from professionals to lifelong learners. The curated approach by Dr. Katherine Lyon, with suggested readings, is also highlighted as a beneficial feature.
Provides a wide overview, with some desiring more depth.
"I liked the broad scope, connecting so many different aspects of the pandemic's impact on society."
"While it felt comprehensive, I sometimes wished some lectures could have delved deeper into specific policy implications or solutions."
"It's a great introduction to the subject, but don't expect highly specialized or granular insights into every single topic."
Allows learners to study at their own pace.
"The pre-recorded lectures allowed me to fit the course seamlessly into my busy personal and professional schedule."
"I could pause and rewatch parts as needed, which was very helpful for absorbing the sometimes dense information."
"The self-paced aspect made it much more manageable to engage with the material thoroughly without feeling rushed."
Designed for learners of diverse backgrounds.
"Even without a strong background in sociology, I found the concepts easy to grasp and follow along."
"The course is well-structured and accessible for anyone interested in the topic, not just academics or specialists."
"I appreciated that it didn't require prior advanced knowledge to understand the complex societal issues presented."
Explores critical and timely societal issues.
"This course was incredibly timely and helped me understand current events and their deeper implications much better."
"The relevance of the topics, especially social justice and inequality during a global pandemic, was invaluable to my understanding."
"I found the discussions on health inequality, ageism, and climate change particularly pertinent to today's complex world."
Features engaging insights from UBC faculty specialists.
"The different lecturers brought so much expertise and unique insights to each topic."
"Each lecture was incredibly thought-provoking, presented by knowledgeable professors in their fields."
"I enjoyed hearing from various experts, each bringing a specific, valuable lens to the pandemic's societal challenges."
Primarily a passive learning experience.
"I missed the opportunity for live discussions or direct Q&A sessions with the lecturers or other students."
"The course felt a bit isolated; more forum engagement or group activities would have enhanced the experience for me."
"It's essentially a series of lectures, so don't expect a lot of interactive elements with peers or instructors."

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 COVID-19 & Society: Inequality in Global Pandemics with these activities:
Review “Social Justice: An Introduction”
Highlight key concepts of social justice, setting the stage for understanding how these concepts relate to health, climate change, and COVID-19.
View Redistribution Or Recognition? on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and Chapter 1 of “Social Justice: An Introduction”
  • Identify and define key concepts of social justice, such as distributive justice, recognition, and participation
  • Consider how these concepts are relevant to your understanding of COVID-19 and its impact on society
Volunteer with local organizations providing support and services related to COVID-19
Gain practical experience by assisting with COVID-19 response efforts, deepening understanding of the pandemic's impact on communities.
Browse courses on Community Engagement
Show steps
  • Research local organizations providing COVID-19 support and services
  • Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Attend volunteer training and orientation sessions
Explore online resources on the intersection of climate change and pandemics
Deepen your understanding of the links between climate change and pandemics, providing context for discussions in the course.
Browse courses on Climate
Show steps
  • Search for reputable sources on the relationship between climate change and pandemics
  • Watch videos or documentaries on the topic
  • Read articles and scientific reports on the subject
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a study group to discuss the ethical challenges of healthcare during a pandemic
Foster deeper engagement with the ethical aspects of the course by collaborating with peers to explore different perspectives and strengthen understanding.
Browse courses on Healthcare Ethics
Show steps
  • Form or join a study group with other students taking the course
  • Choose a topic related to the ethical challenges of healthcare during a pandemic
  • Research and discuss different ethical perspectives and cases
Apply concepts of ageism and racism to current events related to COVID-19
Enhance critical thinking by analyzing real-world examples and applying course concepts to identify and address issues of ageism and racism in the context of COVID-19.
Browse courses on Social Determinants of Health
Show steps
  • Select relevant news articles or reports that highlight instances of ageism or racism related to COVID-19
  • Analyze the examples using concepts learned in the course
  • Identify potential solutions or interventions to address the identified issues
Contribute to open-source COVID-19 data visualization projects
Enhance data analysis and visualization skills, while contributing to the collective understanding of COVID-19 impacts by working on open-source projects.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Identify open-source COVID-19 data visualization projects
  • Review their code and documentation
  • Make contributions to improve data visualization or analysis
Develop a proposal for a community-based initiative to address health inequities exacerbated by COVID-19
Apply knowledge gained in the course to propose practical solutions, enhancing understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on health equity and empowering students to contribute to positive change.
Show steps
  • Research and identify specific health inequities exacerbated by COVID-19 in your community
  • Develop a plan for a community-based initiative to address these inequities
  • Describe the goals, activities, and expected outcomes of the initiative

Career center

Learners who complete COVID-19 & Society: Inequality in Global Pandemics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Health Policy Analyst
Understanding how factors like ageism and racism affect COVID-19's impact on health outcomes is crucial to a Health Policy Analyst's role. This course will delve into these topics, enabling you to develop policies that address these disparities and enhance healthcare equity during pandemics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst
Social Justice Advocate
A Social Justice Advocate works to promote equity and challenge systemic injustices. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide valuable insights into the intersectionality of health, social justice, and the impact of pandemics on marginalized communities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Justice Advocate
Epidemiologist
Informing policies and interventions aimed at preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases is a key responsibility of an Epidemiologist. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide a solid foundation for comprehending the social determinants of health and their relevance to pandemic preparedness.
See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses play a crucial role in promoting health and preventing illness within communities. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will equip you with valuable knowledge on the social factors that influence health outcomes and guide your practice in addressing health disparities during pandemics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse
Social Worker
As a Social Worker, understanding the impact of societal factors on health and well-being is essential. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide you with a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health and how they shape individuals' and communities' experiences during pandemics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Climate Change Specialist
Climate Change Specialists develop and implement strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide you with insights into the interconnections between climate change and health, enabling you to integrate these considerations into your work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Specialist
Health Equity Researcher
Health Equity Researchers investigate the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide you with a foundation in the theories and methods used in health equity research, equipping you to conduct rigorous studies in this area.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Equity Researcher
Public Health Physician
Public Health Physicians work to improve the health of populations through preventive measures and policies. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the social and environmental factors that influence health outcomes, enabling you to develop effective interventions to address health disparities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Physician
Community Development Specialist
Community Development Specialists work to improve the living conditions and well-being of communities. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide you with insights into the social and economic factors that contribute to health disparities and equip you with strategies to promote health equity in community development initiatives.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Development Specialist
Health Communications Specialist
Health Communications Specialists develop and disseminate health information to the public. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide you with valuable knowledge on the social and cultural factors that influence health behavior and equip you to communicate effectively with diverse audiences about pandemic preparedness and health equity.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Specialist
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policies. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide you with a solid foundation in the principles of policy analysis and equip you to assess and develop policies that address health disparities and promote health equity.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators oversee the operations and management of healthcare organizations. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide you with insights into the challenges and opportunities in addressing health disparities within healthcare systems and equip you to implement strategies to improve health equity.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientists assess and mitigate the effects of environmental factors on human health. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide you with a deeper understanding of the connections between environmental health and social justice issues, enabling you to develop interventions that address both environmental and health disparities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist
Urban Planner
Urban Planners design and manage the development of communities. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide you with insights into the social and environmental factors that shape urban health and equip you to create healthier and more equitable communities through urban planning strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants advise organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact and improve their social responsibility. This course on COVID-19 and inequality will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the interconnections between environmental sustainability and social justice, enabling you to develop and implement effective sustainability strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in COVID-19 & Society: Inequality in Global Pandemics.
Cover image
The Health Gap
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the social determinants of health, and how they contribute to health inequalities. It useful reference for understanding the root causes of health disparities.
The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World
Hardcover
$$
The Health Gap, Status Syndrome 2 Books Collection...
Paperback
$$
The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
Save
Powerful and moving account of the challenges faced by a Hmong family when their child is diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy. It provides a valuable perspective on the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong...
Paperback
$
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong...
Paperback
$$
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Save
Tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells were used to create the first immortal cell line. It raises important questions about race, class, and the ethics of medical research.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Paperback
$
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Reprint...
Paperback
$$
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Natives, Why...
Paperback
$$
(中文) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Chinese...
Paperback
$$
(中文) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Chinese...
Paperback
$$
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Kindle Edition
$$
The New Jim Crow: Young Readers' Edition
Save
Argues that the mass incarceration of African Americans new form of Jim Crow. It provides a powerful analysis of the systemic racism that continues to plague American society.
The New Jim Crow: Young Readers' Edition
Paperback
Check
The New Jim Crow: Young Readers' Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Environmental Regulation
Save
Groundbreaking work that explores the environmental racism that affects people of color. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the causes and consequences of environmental inequality.
Environmental Regulation
Paperback
Check
Environmental Regulation
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Sixth Extinction (10th Anniversary Edition)
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the sixth mass extinction, which is currently underway. It powerful and moving account of the human impact on the planet.
The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition)
Audible Audiobook
$$
Cover image
Pandemics
Save
Provides a concise overview of pandemics, including their history, causes, and consequences. It useful reference for understanding the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Pandemics
Paperback
Check
Pandemics
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Pandemic
Save
Explores the history of pandemics and the challenges they pose to society. It argues that we need to be better prepared for future pandemics.
Pandemic: Tracking Contagions, from Cholera to...
Hardcover
$$
(Pусский) Пандемия: Всемирная история смертельных вирусов...
Kindle Edition
$
(Español) Pandemia (Narración en Castellano) [Pandemic]: Mapa...
Audible Audiobook
$$
Cover image
Ecosystems and Human Well-being
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the health impacts of climate change. It useful reference for understanding the challenges of adapting to climate change.
Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Health Synthesis
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Democratizing Global Climate Governance
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the social science of climate change. It useful reference for understanding the challenges of governing climate change.
Democratizing Global Climate Governance
Paperback
Check
Democratizing Global Climate Governance
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
University of British Columbia
Instructor
Dr. Katherine Lyon
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners
Develops professional skills in health, climate change, and social justice
Introduces concepts in sociology
Addresses complex pandemic challenges using a sociological lens
Teaches learners about COVID-19 and health inequity
Examines health issues that are relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic
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