HSO-30306 Health Policy and Action

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

HSO-20306 and HSO-20806

Continuation courses:

Bachelor thesis BGM

Contents:

Public health and society professionals should have an important role in the 'social fabric' in order to promote and protect health. They should have close contacts with communities and policy circles and should be able to mobilize and organise social networks in the field of public health. The first part of the course is focused on the theoretical background of policy and the organisation of public health. Themes discussed are: policy development, partnerships for health, intersectoral collaboration and community participation. Furthermore, the role of research to facilitate collaboration processes is discussed. During the second part students apply these theories interventions in the field of health promotion and care.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course unit, the student is expected to be able to:
- understand how social, cultural, economic, demographic, political and structural factors influence governance of public health;
- define characteristics and policies of organisations and actors which are active on strategic and financial levels of public health and society, such as governmental organisations and health promotion organisations;
- recognise the importance of networks and other social structures within public health;
- understand and use the relevant theories about systems, networks and capacity building;
- identity tools to facilitate intersectoral collaboration;
- contribute to contacts and/or networks with target groups in the community, organisations, and government bodies.

Activities:

Lectures, problem based learning, student presentations and class discussions, self-study, working on port-folio.

Examination:

Written examination plus evaluation of assignments.

Literature:

A reader with the obligatory literature will be available.