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H 470 Public Health Equity and Social Justice in the U.S.

Core Ed: Difference, Power, and Oppression Advanced

H 470 equips you with powerful frameworks and practical skills to address persistent health inequities in the United States.

Through critical examination of evidence-based theories, interventions, grassroots activism and innovative research initiatives, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of systemic barriers to health justice.

H 470 emphasizes personal reflection, collaborative problem-solving and inclusive dialogue, preparing you to lead meaningful change in healthcare systems and communities.

This course also helps you explore public health degree pathways focused on health equity, policy and systems-level change in communities across the U.S.

What makes this course stand out?

Fulfills a Core Education requirement

Counts toward Core Ed - Difference, Power, & Oppression: Advanced credits.

Become a health equity advocate

Learn how to identify, analyze, and address health disparities to promote social justice.

Investigate systemic issues

Explore the root causes of health inequities and discover strategies to combat them.

Engage with real-world challenges

Tackle pressing public health issues through case studies and community projects.

Enhance your practical skills

Develop competencies in policy writing, community organizing, and health communication.

A supportive instructional setting at Oregon State University, where a smiling faculty member interacts with students. A wall poster in the background reads, "Your questions aren't 'stupid.' Ask for help. Ask early & often."

How do you imagine the future?

"So often in public health, we focus on what is missing. We are good at finding holes, but it is only about half of what we are capable of doing. If we only do that fifty percent, if we are always playing the doubting game, we never learn to engage the other half of what we are capable of: believing. Let’s dream about what an equitable future for health could look like, together."

-H 470 Course Instructor Ashley Vaughn

Who should take this course?

Exploratory studies majors

Discover how social determinants impact health and explore various public health interventions and activist movements. This course will help you find your niche in the field of health equity.

Liberal arts majors

Engage with interdisciplinary perspectives on health inequities and learn how historical and contemporary social structures shape health outcomes. This course will enhance your understanding of social justice and public health.

Public health majors

Deepen your knowledge of health equity and social justice theories and develop practical skills for addressing health disparities. This course is essential for anyone pursuing a career in public health.

Psychology majors

Understand the psychological impacts of health inequities and learn how social determinants affect mental health. This course will provide you with a comprehensive view of the intersection between psychology and public health.

Business majors

Learn how social justice and health equity can influence business practices and policies. This course will equip you with the knowledge to advocate for equitable health solutions within the business sector.

Political science majors

Explore how laws, governance and policy decisions shape health outcomes and access to care. This course provides critical context for understanding the politics of health equity.

Public policy majors

Examine how health equity frameworks inform policy development and implementation. This course builds the analytical and advocacy skills needed to promote systemic change.

College of Science students

Understand how scientific evidence informs public health decisions and equity-focused interventions that improve population well-being.

  

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.