Course Details

Communities of color have long argued that there are inequities built into the American health care system. The data support this claim. In 2021, racism continues to be the number one driver of health inequities in the United States. This class grapples with the relationship between racism, health, and medicine. Our examination of the course topic is rooted in three fundamental questions: 1) What are the origins of how health and illness are defined today? 2) What various forms of power influence the unequal distribution of disease and unequal access to health care? 3) What role do social movements play in transforming health systems that support or generate health inequities? Our readings and audio and visual materials reach broadly across disciplines and elevate the voices and experiences of scholars and communities most impacted by health inequities. Live dialogues with community-based organizations at the frontlines of health equity research, practice, and organizing will enhance students learning.