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This course is intended to enhance students’ understanding of health issues within the context of the developing world, with Ghana as a focus. Consequently, the nexus between the health status of the people and their socio-political habitus will be discussed. In this regard, students will be introduced to a wide range of macro issues such as the impact of colonialism, globalization and political economy on the health of Ghanaians. Other issues such as the social and cultural beliefs and practices that impact on the health-seeking behavior of the people will also be examined.

This is an interdisciplinary course designed to study some of the major contemporary issues facing Ghanaian society after 50 years of independence from British colonial rule. Students interested in sociology, history, political science, economics, and cultural studies will find this course of particular interest as its subject matter dovetails with each of these related disciplines.

This intensive Spanish course is aimed at persons who work or intend to work in the health care related field.  Rather than only teaching standard terminology, classes offered incorporate common dialect variants,  a as well as aspects of Latino culture that can impact the patient’s health and interaction with the medical system. Students are taught techniques and strategies for effective communication with Latino patients in a medical setting.

Ghana experiences many of the same infectious diseases found elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa and other tropical regions of the world. These include well-known diseases such as malaria, as well as the so-called ‘neglected tropical diseases’ that are marked by high morbidity but low mortality. This course focuses on infectious and parasitic diseases present in Ghana and will explore aspects of epidemiology; disease progression and pathology; challenges in disease control or eradication; and, as relevant, historical context. Course material accommodates students from all majors.

Introduction to Epidemiology – West Africa, starts with a definition of epidemiology, introduces the history of modern epidemiology, and provides examples of the uses and applications of epidemiology. Measurement of morbidity and mortality, and a summary of the different types of study designs and their strengths and limitations. An introduction to statistical methods sets the scene for understanding basic concepts and available tools for analyzing data and evaluating the impact of interventions. A fundamental task of epidemiologists is to understand the process of making causal judgements.

Students will be placed in internship/service learning assignments at various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), healthcare providers, research institutes, and other local agencies, referred to as ‘attachments’ in Ghana, that are designed to complement the global health and development emphasis of the program, as well as to meet the individual interest of each student.

This course is aimed at persons who work or intend to work in health care related fields. In addition to standard terminology, the class incorporates common dialect variants,  a as well as aspects of Latino culture that can impact the patient’s health and interaction with the medical system. Students are taught techniques and strategies for effective communication with Latino patients in a medical setting. The contents of the of course are based on research conducted in US and Spain medical settings.