The University of North Texas Health Science Center

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

SCBS 6405 - Health Disparities

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Francisco Soto Mas

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course will examine social and behavioral factors related to health disparities. Topics include: socioeconomic, ethnic, racial and gender health disparities, income inequality, racial discrimination, cultural competence in health care service and delivery, and other social and behavioral factors associated with health disparities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the completion of this course, all students will be able to: 1. Identify major factors responsible for disparities in health. 2. Analyze the contribution of the factors related to health disparities. 3. Describe the contribution of life style behavioral factors in affecting health disparities.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Lectures, class discussion, reading assignments, student presentations, reports, mid-term evaluation, projects, and guest lecturers.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS The course follows a combination of lectures and a seminar format which includes: student's presentations and discussion sessions to critique and assess relevant issues from assigned readings.

EVALUATION This course/seminar is designed to encourage the active participation of students. Course objectives are achieved through the development of independent learning and critical thinking. Thus, it is essential that students keep up with reading assignments as well as attend and participate in class discussions. Creative thinking, newly developed perspectives in the content area, and rationale for defending judgments are part of the evaluation criteria included in student’s participation and class participation and attendance components of the grading scheme.

It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the professors prior to any absence. Withdrawal from the course by a student must be done formally by completing the required forms available at the Office of Student Affairs. Dates for adding/dropping courses are listed in the SPH Academic Calendar. Students who might have special needs for fulfilling requirements and assignments are asked to communicate them to the professors within the first two weeks of classes. Students are encouraged to maintain open communication with the professors at all times.

GRADING SCHEME 1. Student presentations 30 Points 2. Written mid-term evaluation 20 Points 3. Written final project 30 Points 4. Class participation and attendance 20 Points Total 100 Points

GRADING A=90-100% B=80-89% C=70-79% D=60-69% F=<60%

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS A Public Health Reader. Race, Ethnicity, and Health. Thomas A. LaVeist, Editor. Jossey Bass 2002.

RECOMMENDED READINGS AND OTHER SOURCES Readings will be assigned throughout the semester.

ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE It is recommended that students who require academic assistance contact the professor in person, by email, or phone to schedule an appointment during office hours. How student should get help if in need of academic assistance.

HONOR CODE The University of North Texas Health Science Center’s primary concern is the student. It attempts to provide for all students an environment that is conducive to academic endeavor, social growth and individual self-discipline. Enrollment is considered implicit acceptance of the rules, regulations, and guidelines governing student behavior promulgated by the health science center and the Student Handbook (available in UNTHSC Office of Student Affairs or on UNTHSC Web site) for which students are subject to discipline. Honor Code infractions by students constitute actions of dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, stealing or lying to any school official. You should refer to the UNT Health Science Center regarding rules governing student academic conduct.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Date Topic/Activity Week 1 Introductions and overview of course Week 2 Health disparities in the United States Week 3 Confronting ethnic and racial disparities in health care Week 4 Health disparities among marginalized populations Week 5 Social and economic forces affecting health care, income inequality and social capital Week 6 Conceptual issues in health disparities Week 7 Cultural competency in health care, health communications and health literacy Week 8 Midterm evaluation Week 9 Health behavior theory in the context of disparities Week 10 Effective interventions to eliminate health disparities Week 11 Literature Review Week 12 Research with diverse populations Week 13 Case Scenario Week 14 Student Presentations Week 15 Student Presentations Week 16 Final Exam