Introduction Africana Public Health

3 Credits.

Introduction to Africana Public Health explores the intersections between the disciplines of Africana Studies and Public Health Studies. The course uses the research questions and evidence bases of Africana Studies to address issues of race, power, and inequality in public health. Each week, students will participate in a themed conversations between Africana Studies and Public Health scholars, then discuss and analyze the ideas raised in weekly seminars alongside course readings. The course is designed to introduce students to both fields and inspire further study and research.Introduction to Africana Public Health encourages students to think critically about the influence of social and historical forces on public health research and policy, from the local context of Baltimore to global health initiatives. By the end of the course, students will have tools to better understand how race, inequality, and social conditions shape the ways public health challenges are defined and addressed for Black communities. Students will participate in the organization and execution of the joint Africana-Public Health lunchtime speaker events.Community-based learning is a significant component of Introduction to Africana Public Health and the course requires occasional travel within Baltimore City to community partners.