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Panos Kapotas, Laverne Jacobs, and David B. Oppenheimer

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken millions of lives and caused many millions of people to lose their jobs and/or businesses. It is commonplace for people to say, “We’re all in this together.” But, we’re not. In fact, the impact has been disproportionately felt by people who are already disadvantaged by reasons of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, poverty, age, and intersections of disfavored identity. This online course on COVID-19 and Global Inequalities examines the pandemic’s impact on racial, gender, wealth, and healthcare disparities, among others, through an international comparative lens. The course is self-paced and goes for 5 weeks, featuring lectures delivered by professors from around the world. The course is designed to foster understanding of equality law and theories of equality so that students can analyze different policy approaches to the pandemic. For the first year of enrollment, students will also have the opportunity to engage in monthly live discussions with one of the professors of the course.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Compare how different legal systems addressed the covid-19 pandemic;
  • Compare the impact on inequality of the laws and policies that different legal systems adopted to address the pandemic;
  • Analyze the theories of equality underlying the law and policy decisions that different systems adopted to address the pandemic;
  • Discuss articles about inequality and the pandemic, and the issues raised in light of the underlying theories of equality, using examples from several legal systems;
  • Connect with students from around the globe as friends/colleagues to discuss ongoing issues of inequality in light of the pandemic and the material they studied together;
  • Create connections within a global community of research and learning
  • By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Syllabus

5-Week Schedule:
Introduction; Race and Racism
Gender Equality; Domestic Violence; LGBTQIA+
Intersectionality; Poverty; Incarceration
Read more
Low Wage Workers; Migrants
Age; People With Disabilities; Vaccine Distribution
, U. of Windsor (Canada)
, UC Berkeley (United States)
Course Organizers:
, UC Berkeley (US)
, University of Portsmouth (United Kingdom)
Guest Professors:
, Oxford University (United Kingdom)
, Universidad de los Andes (Colombia)
, McGill University (Canada)
, MacKenzie University School of Law (Brazil)
, Macquarie University Sydney (Australia)
, Utrecht University School of Law (Netherlands)
, University of Technology Sydney (Australia)
, The University of Palermo (Italy)
, Universidad de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
, University of Milan (Italy)
, Keele University (United Kingdom)
, University of Bristol (United Kingdom)
, University of Oxford (United Kingdom)
, University of Cape Town (South Africa)
, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
, University of Paris I Sorbonne-Pantheon (France)
, Stockholm University (Sweden)
, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Malaysia)
, University of Melbourne (Australia)
, United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Ireland)
, Colombian Ministry of Health (Colombia)
, Rockefeller Foundation (United States)
, Rockefeller Foundation, Africa Regional Office (Kenya)
Cape Town group:
Student Research Assistants/Producers:
Solei Sarmiento

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by recognized experts on the topic of Global Inequalities
Examines social and political issues, including race, gender, poverty, and age, that intersect with legal and policy approaches to the Covid-19 pandemic
Offers a detailed analysis of how different legal systems and cultures have approached the pandemic's impact on inequality
Taught by a team of professors from around the world, representing a wide range of perspectives
Has guest professors who are experts on the topic of social and political inequalities, including health
Involves monthly live discussions with course instructors, fostering interaction and engagement

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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 and Global Inequalities with these activities:
Review statistics and data analysis concepts
Refreshing your statistics and data analysis skills will enhance your ability to interpret and analyze data related to COVID-19 inequalities.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbooks on basic statistics and data analysis concepts.
  • Complete practice problems or online tutorials to test your understanding.
Read 'Health Inequalities: A Reader' by Ben Marmot
This comprehensive examination of health injustices will provide background knowledge for understanding the impact of the pandemic on healthcare disparities.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and chapters 1-3 to gain an overview of health inequalities.
  • Take notes on the key concepts and theories presented in the book.
  • Consider how the concepts in the book relate to the course material.
Join a virtual peer study group to discuss the intersectionality of race, gender, and class in the context of the pandemic
Participating in peer discussions will enhance your understanding of complex issues and diverse perspectives.
Show steps
  • Find a peer study group or start one with classmates.
  • Choose a topic to discuss related to the course material.
  • Share your thoughts and ideas with the group.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a visual representation of the impact of COVID-19 on racial disparities in the US
By creating a visual representation, you will reinforce your understanding of the data on racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes.
Show steps
  • Gather data on racial disparities in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.
  • Choose a visual representation format, such as a graph, chart, or infographic.
  • Create a visually appealing and informative representation of the data.
Analyze case studies of how different countries have addressed COVID-19 and its impact on marginalized groups
Analyzing case studies will allow you to apply the theories and concepts learned in the course to practical examples.
Show steps
  • Read the case studies provided in the course materials.
  • Identify the key issues and challenges faced by each country in addressing COVID-19.
  • Compare and contrast the different approaches taken by these countries.
Start a project to track the progress of a specific policy or initiative aimed at reducing COVID-19-related inequalities
Initiating a tracking project will enable you to monitor the effectiveness of policy interventions and advocate for necessary adjustments.
Browse courses on Policy Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify a specific policy or initiative aimed at reducing COVID-19-related inequalities.
  • Set up a system to collect data on the progress of the policy or initiative.
  • Track the data and analyze it regularly.
Design a policy proposal to address a specific inequality issue related to COVID-19
By creating a policy proposal, you will apply your knowledge of equality law and theories to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on Policy Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify a specific inequality issue related to COVID-19 that you want to address.
  • Research the issue and gather evidence to support your proposal.
  • Draft a policy proposal that outlines your proposed solution.

Career center

Learners who complete COVID-19 and Global Inequalities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Law Professor
Law Professors teach law students and conduct research in their field of expertise. They may also write law review articles and books. This course may be useful for Law Professors because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the legal system and how to teach law students about the resulting issues.
Human Rights Lawyer
Human Rights Lawyers advocate for the rights of individuals and groups who have been denied their rights. They may work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or international organizations. This course may be useful for Human Rights Lawyers because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human rights and how to advocate for the rights of those who have been disproportionately affected.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people cope with personal and social problems. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics. This course may be useful for Social Workers because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their clients and how to provide them with the best possible support.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research to advance scientific knowledge. They may work in a variety of fields, including medicine, public health, and social sciences. This course may be useful for Research Scientists because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their research and how to develop research projects that address the resulting challenges.
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctors diagnose and treat patients with illnesses and injuries. They may specialize in a particular area, such as family medicine, pediatrics, or surgery. This course may be useful for Medical Doctors because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their patients and how to provide them with the best possible care.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants are licensed healthcare professionals who provide medical care under the supervision of a physician. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This course may be useful for Physician Assistants because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their patients and how to provide them with the best possible care.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts research and analyze health policy issues and make recommendations for change. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health policy and how to develop policies that address health disparities.
Policy Advisor
Policy Advisors advise policymakers on the development and implementation of public policy. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be useful for Policy Advisors because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on different policies and how to develop policies that address the resulting challenges.
International Development Worker
International Development Workers work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They may work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or international organizations. This course may be useful for International Development Workers because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on developing countries and how to develop programs that address the resulting challenges.
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses work to improve the health of communities. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, community health centers, and government agencies. This course may be useful for Public Health Nurses because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their communities and how to develop programs that address the resulting challenges.
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They may specialize in a particular area, such as critical care, pediatrics, or mental health. This course may be useful for Nurses because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their patients and how to provide them with the best possible care.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They may work in pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare settings. This course may be useful for Pharmacists because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the medication supply chain and how to provide patients with the medications they need.
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. They may specialize in a particular area, such as health, politics, or international affairs. This course may be useful for Journalists because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on different populations and how to report on the resulting issues in a way that is accurate and informative.
Community Health Educator
Community Health Educators teach people about health issues and help them make healthy choices. They may work with individuals, families, groups, or communities. This course may be useful for Community Health Educators because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on different populations and how to address the resulting health disparities.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, such as math, science, and social studies. They may work in elementary schools, middle schools, or high schools. This course may be useful for Teachers because it will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their students and how to provide them with the best possible education.

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 and Global Inequalities.
Provides historical context for the racial inequalities discussed in the course, particularly regarding housing and redlining.
Analyzes the mass incarceration of African Americans in the United States, providing a critical perspective on the intersectionality of race, poverty, and the criminal justice system.
Presents evidence and arguments for the benefits of greater equality in societies, providing a theoretical framework for understanding the impact of inequality.
Provides a detailed commentary on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, offering a legal and philosophical perspective on the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
Explores the human rights abuses and racism faced by migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border, connecting with the course's focus on inequality faced by marginalized groups.
Explores gender inequality and bias in various aspects of life, providing insights into the course's discussions on gender equality and domestic violence.
This comprehensive reader provides foundational knowledge on disability studies, offering insights into the social, cultural, and political experiences of people with disabilities.
Provides an in-depth look at poverty in the United States, offering insights into the systemic factors that contribute to economic inequality.

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