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COVID-19 and Global Inequalities

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Panos Kapotas, Laverne Jacobs, and David B. Oppenheimer

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.

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:

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

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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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Reviews summary

Global insights on pandemic inequalities

According to learners, this course offers incredibly insightful and timely content, providing a unique and comprehensive understanding of global inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students consistently praise the diverse insights from professors across the globe, which bring real-world context and interdisciplinary approaches. Many found the course intellectually stimulating, deepening their understanding of legal systems and equality theories. While some learners mentioned the readings can be overwhelming or content occasionally feels repetitive, the live discussions and overall academic rigor are highly valued.

Fosters valuable engagement with peers and faculty.

"The live discussions were truly invaluable for deepening my understanding."

"The discussion forums were also quite active and helpful."

"I found the discussions were good, even though time zones made live attendance tricky sometimes."

Offers rigorous analysis of legal systems and theories.

"A very thought-provoking course. The focus on legal systems and equality theories was particularly strong."

"I learned a lot about the legal frameworks and policies. The course provided a robust theoretical foundation."

"The content is dense but incredibly rewarding, providing mind-blowing insights from leading scholars worldwide."

Explores critical, contemporary social issues.

"The course material was extremely relevant... It truly opened my eyes to the nuances of global inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic."

"An eye-opening experience... This course is a must for anyone wanting to understand the pandemic's societal impact."

"Very informative and timely. The course does a great job of highlighting global disparities."

Features diverse insights from professors worldwide.

"The lectures from professors across the globe provided such a unique and comprehensive understanding of how COVID-19 impacted different inequalities."

"Absolutely brilliant! The professors were top-notch, bringing real-world context from their respective regions."

"I particularly liked the diverse range of perspectives from leading scholars worldwide. It's a testament to how academic collaboration can shed light on complex global issues."

Some content felt repetitive; readings can be extensive.

"The content was interesting, but sometimes felt a bit repetitive across different modules."

"Keeping up with all the recommended readings was a challenge."

"My main feedback would be that some lecture videos had slightly inconsistent audio quality, and the readings could be overwhelming at times."

More emphasis on theory than practical application.

"Good for a theoretical overview, but not much on practical application."

"I wished for more case studies or practical examples, but overall, it delivered on its promise of comparing legal systems."

"Other parts felt a bit rushed or too academic for someone looking for more concrete policy examples."

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

Show steps

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

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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

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This comprehensive examination of health injustices will provide background knowledge for understanding the impact of the pandemic on healthcare disparities.

View The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal... on Amazon

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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

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Participating in peer discussions will enhance your understanding of complex issues and diverse perspectives.

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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

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Show all seven activities

Create a visual representation of the impact of COVID-19 on racial disparities in the US

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By creating a visual representation, you will reinforce your understanding of the data on racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes.

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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

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Analyzing case studies will allow you to apply the theories and concepts learned in the course to practical examples.

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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

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Initiating a tracking project will enable you to monitor the effectiveness of policy interventions and advocate for necessary adjustments.

Browse courses on Policy Analysis

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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

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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

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Law Professor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Lawyer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Advisor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Educator

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.

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The Color of Law

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Provides historical context for the racial inequalities discussed in the course, particularly regarding housing and redlining.

The Color of Law

The Color of Law

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Examines the economic and social costs of racism, complementing the course's focus on the impact of inequality on different marginalized groups.

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How...

The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers): How...

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How...

The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers): How...

The New Jim Crow: Young Readers' Edition

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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.

The New Jim Crow: Young Readers' Edition

The New Jim Crow: Young Readers' Edition

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The Inner Level

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Presents evidence and arguments for the benefits of greater equality in societies, providing a theoretical framework for understanding the impact of inequality.

The Inner Level

The Inner Level

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International Human Rights in Context

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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.

International Human Rights in Context: Law,...

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Radicals in the Barrio

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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.

Radicals in the Barrio: Magonistas, Socialists,...

Radicals in the Barrio: Magonistas, Socialists,...

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Invisible Women

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Explores gender inequality and bias in various aspects of life, providing insights into the course's discussions on gender equality and domestic violence.

Invisible Women

Invisible Women

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The Disability Studies Reader

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This comprehensive reader provides foundational knowledge on disability studies, offering insights into the social, cultural, and political experiences of people with disabilities.

The Disability Studies Reader

The Disability Studies Reader

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Poverty, by America

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Provides an in-depth look at poverty in the United States, offering insights into the systemic factors that contribute to economic inequality.

Poverty, by America

Poverty, by America

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Effort

3 to 5 hours per week for 8 weeks

Level

Introductory

Via

edX

Institution

University of California, Berkeley

Instructors

Panos Kapotas

Laverne Jacobs

David B. Oppenheimer

Language

English

Transcript

English

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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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