H 256 Silence Equals Death: HIV Stigma to Global Social Movement
Core Ed: Social Science
What happens when a human health crisis is ignored?
In H 256 Silence Equals Death, you’ll uncover the history of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and how activism, policy, and healthcare responses shaped its impact.
From stigma and discrimination to groundbreaking advocacy and medical advances, this course challenges you to think critically about public health, social justice and the power of community action.
This course also serves as a powerful introduction for students curious about public health degree pathways, especially those focused on health equity, policy and community-led change.
What makes this course stand out?
Powerful history, real-world impact
Learn how the HIV/AIDS crisis reshaped health care, policy, and activism — and why those lessons still matter today.
Engaging discussions and case studies
Explore how social movements influence public health and apply those ideas to modern challenges.
Connections to your future
Whether you're interested in health, policy, social justice or advocacy, this course offers perspectives that will shape how you see the world.
No prerequisites — open to all majors
You don’t need a background in public health to take this course — just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Core Education course
Fulfills the requirements for Social Science.
Jonathan Garcia named Core Ed Champion for innovative HIV/AIDS course
"Dr. Garcia uses a creative, meaningful method in H256 known as 'body mapping', a storytelling practice where students visually reflect on personal experiences and the issues they care about. His hands-on, expressive approach makes learning engaging, personal, and transformative.”
Who should take this course?
No matter what you’re studying, this course gives you a deep understanding of how public health and politics intersect.
Pre-med, nursing, or health sciences?
Gain insights into the ethical and social challenges of health care.
Political science or history major?
See how policy and activism have shaped public health responses.
Sociology or psychology student?
Examine how stigma, discrimination and community action impact health outcomes.
Interested in social justice?
Discover how grassroots activism changed the course of an epidemic—and how you can apply these lessons today.
Your next step
Ready to enroll? Check the schedule of classes or talk with your advisor to see how this course fits into your academic plan.