Global Health
Departmental Guidelines and Mission Statement
Global Health explores why people's health differs across populations and how we can improve it.
- Global Health is about solving real world health challenges that affect millions of people.
- Global Health is studied, researched, and practice in the U.S. and around the world.
- Global Health is comprehensive, integrating science, governance, humanity, society, culture, and data.
What do students gain in Global Health at Denison?
- Majors and minors in Global Health learn to interpret and analyze real world data, aiming to understand and improve health outcomes locally and globally.
- Students will develop their written and oral communication skills.
- Students will be prepared to pursue further education or step into jobs and careers in fields such as healthcare, health policy, medicine, governance, research, public health, health administration, environmental or occupational health, and social work.
The mission of the Global Health Program is to provide an interdisciplinary and comprehensive experience that focuses on the social, physical, and mental dimensions of wellbeing with an emphasis on population-level health domestically and across the globe. Students in Global Health will learn how to understand, evaluate, and critically assess population health from a global perspective using a range of approaches and perspectives.
The learning goals in our Global Health Program expose students to seven key elements of the discipline. The learning goals, applicable courses, and learning outcomes in the Global Health curriculum include:
- Global Burden of Disease (GH 100, GH 202, select GH electives): Students will be able to describe and explain worldwide patterns of health outcomes to identify critical priorities in global health.
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Globalization of Health & Healthcare (GH 100, GH 202, select GH electives): Students will be able to discuss how globalization affects health and health care, explain demographic and epidemiologic transitions, and describe major factors contributing to the global incidence and prevalence of communicable and non-communicable disease, and injuries & violence.
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Ethics & Research (GH 100, GH 210, select GH electives): Students will be able to recognize and discuss the ethics of global health issues & settings, and the role of political, social, economic, environmental, and cultural factors in shaping current global health issues. They will be able to design and conduct a research study following ethical practices.
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Data Interpretation & Analysis (GH 100, GH 202, GH 210, select GH electives, GH 400): Students will be able to interpret, analyze, and communicate quantitative, qualitative, and epidemiologic data to understand global health patterns, issues, policies, and interventions.
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Intercultural Collaboration, Partnering, & Communication (GH 100, select GH electives, GH 400, Experiential Learning): Students will be able to identify key stakeholders in global health, discuss barriers and possible approaches to solving diverse health issues around the world, and develop their communication skills, cultural humility, and adaptability.
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Health Equity & Social Justice (GH 100, select GH electives, GH 400): Students will be able to describe and analyze strategies to address health disparities across social, economic, demographic, or geographically defined populations.
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Program & Policy Management (GH 210, select GH electives, GH 400): Students will be able to design and evaluate global health programs to understand the contribution of effective policy and governance, enhanced implementation, and improved and sustained health outcomes.
Global Health students are uniquely positioned to evaluate the patterns and societal issues associated with understanding and responding to disease and other health issues, and to contribute their knowledge and skills to the public and private sectors. Additionally, several required courses provide majors and minors an opportunity to analyze quantitative and qualitative data in order to inform policy and programmatic change in population health. Central to Global Health is a critical examination of health disparities, the interaction between health and the environment, and the burden of disease and mortality. The Global Health curriculum is also geared to provide critical exposure to applied and experiential-based learning to understand health from a local and global context. We are committed to actively exposing students to critical problems and methodologies that are specific to Global Health, as well as having students engage in elective coursework outside of Global Health that offers foundational or deeper knowledge that enhances understanding of the diverse issues and challenges in the field of Global Health. Upon completion of the Global Health major, students will be competent in addressing global and public health issues with a critical lens and from a culturally relevant perspective.
Faculty
Professor of Biology, Jessica Rettig, Director
Associate Professor Ehab Farag; Assistant Professor Sahra Ibrahimi; Visiting Assistant Professors Thomas Henshaw, Andrea Lourie
Program Coordinator
Pamela Satterfield
Affiliated Faculty
Anthony Bonifonte (Data Analytics), Cristina Caldari-Torres (Biology), Tessa Carrel (Biology), Gina Dow (Psychology), Clare Jen, (Biology / Women's & Gender Studies), Zarrina Juraqulova (Economics), Laura Russell (Communication), Jane Saffitz (Anthropology), Taku Suzuki (International Studies), Christine Weingart (Biology), Eric Winters (Health, Exercise and Sports Studies)
Global Health Major
Required Components (10 courses)
- 4 courses in Global Health Core (16 credits)
- 3 Global Health Electives (12 credits)
- 3 Thematic Electives (12 credits)
- GH 050 - Experiential Learning Requirement ( 0 credits, described below)
Global Health Core
| Code | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| GH 100 | Introduction to Global Health | |
| GH 202 | Epidemiology (prerequisite GH 100) | |
| GH 210 | Global Health Research Methods (prerequisite GH 100) | |
| GH 400 | Global Health Capstone (prerequisites GH 210 & GH 202) | |
| or GH 452 | Advanced Senior Research | |
| Students in GH 452 and GH 400 are required to participate in Global Health senior research presentations in the spring. | ||
Global Health Electives
Complete 3 Global Health Electives (taught by Global Health instructors). Electives differ semester by semester and typically two are offered each semester. Examples shown below:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| GH 352 | Planetary Health |
Global Health Challenges: Tackling Infectious Diseases and Epidemics | |
Social Determinants of Health: A Global Perspective | |
Global Health and Nutrition: From Burden to Prevention Across the Life | |
Lifespan Development in a Global World: A Biopsychosocial Approach to Health and Wellbeing | |
Global Maternal and Child Health | |
Thematic Electives
Students complete 3 Thematic Electives selecting courses from three thematic arenas described below. These courses provide added depth and breadth in areas of interest and meaning for Global Health students.
Students may take up to two courses within a single theme but no more than two courses from a single department or program. Course choices vary semester-by-semester and the Global Health Program provides an updated list of options for the Thematic Electives each semester.
- Science & Data: Science serves as a foundational element in understanding global health issues, from the biology of pathogens and the physiology and anatomy of the human body to the environmental changes on our planet that impact population health. In addition, the field of Global Health is inherently data-driven, with the most effective policies and interventions being informed by robust data collection, visualization, analysis, and interpretation. These courses enhance students' analytical skills and equips them with the necessary tools to apply scientific methods to complex health challenges. Example courses shown below.
| Code | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 110 | Biology and Politics of Women's Health | |
| BIOL 210 | Molecular Biology and Unicellular Life | |
| BIOL 220 | Multicellular Life | |
| BIOL 230 | Ecology and Evolution | |
| BIOL 330 | Biostatistics | |
| BIOL 341 | Immunology | |
| CS 109 | Discovering Computer Science | |
| or CS 111 | Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics | |
| or CS 112 | Discovering Computer Science: Markets, Polls, and Social Networks | |
| or CS 114 | Discovering Computer Science: Computing for the Social Good | |
| DA 101 | Introduction to Data Analytics | |
| DA/MATH 220 | Applied Statistics | |
| DPR 101 | Data Visualization for Political Research | |
| ECON 307 | Introductory Econometrics | |
| EESC 111 | Planet Earth | |
| EESC/SES 222 | Geographic Information Systems I | |
| EESC/SES 223 | Geographic Information Systems II | |
| HESS 202 | Applied Anatomy | |
| MATH 120 | Elements of Statistics | |
| PSYC 100 | Introduction to Psychology | |
| PSYC 210 | Development in Infancy and Childhood | |
| PSYC 245 | Adolescence | |
| PSYC 265 | Cultural Psychology | |
| PSYC 270 | Health Psychology | |
- Humanity, Society, & Governance:
Courses under this theme help students understand the social-political-economic dimensions of population health, fostering a nuanced understanding of global health governance and ethics. Courses in this theme enable students to explore the intersection of population health with ethical, social, and governance issues by providing a critical understanding of how societal factors influence health policies and practices. Additionally, many critical problems in global health (e.g., HIV, air pollution, droughts, COVID-19) require a broad understanding of human societies and governance systems to manage and solve. Students learn to better understand the problems, challenges, and solutions in Global Health by expanding their knowledge of humanity, society, and governance. Example courses shown below.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ANTH 220 | Medical Anthropology |
| ECON 204 | Income Inequality |
| ECON 412 | Economics of the Developing World |
| ECON 425 | Race and Ethnicity and the U.S. Economy |
| ECON 462 | Health Economics |
| HIST 292 | History of Reproductive Justice in the United States |
| MENA/HIST 122 | The Making of the Modern Middle East |
| PHIL 285 | Biomedical Ethics |
| PHIL 294 | Topics in Ethics (Food Ethics) |
| PPA 122 | Introduction to Global Governance |
| PPA 345/INTL 265 | Human Rights in Global Perspectives |
| PPA 359 | Topics in the Study of International Policies (War, Water, Waste) |
| REL 302/WGST 321 | Ethics of Peace and War |
| SES 217 | Sustainable Development Goals |
| SES 276 | Environmental Justice |
| SES 334 | Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems |
- Contemporary Languages, Histories, & Cultures: Global Health focuses on today’s issues, which are influenced by the contemporary histories, cultures, and languages of today’s populations of people. Understanding the contemporary and historical contexts that shape health outcomes is vital for creating effective global health interventions. This theme focuses on the cultural, historical, and linguistic factors that may influence health practices and policies globally and locally. Exposure to contemporary languages and cultural studies enhances students’ ability to work effectively in diverse settings, crucial for global health professionals. Exposure to contemporary languages, histories, and cultures enhances students’ understanding of recent historical and cultural factors shaping health outcomes globally and locally, and enhances students’ ability to communicate and work in diverse cultural settings both globally and domestically. Choices in this theme include courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish that students do not use to fulfill their language requirement for General Education. Additional example courses shown below.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| BLST 237 | |
| HIST/MENA 122 | The Making of the Modern Middle East |
| INTL 100 | Introduction to International Studies: The Making of the Modern World |
| LACS 101 | Introduction to Latin American Caribbean Studies |
| WGST 276 | Gender, War and Conflict |
| Or language courses (ARAB, CHIN, FREN, GERM, JAPN, PORT, SPAN) that do not fulfill the K requirement, see language section for more information. | |
Languages:
Students may select courses from contemporary languages (i.e., ARAB, CHIN, FREN, GERM, JAPN, PORT, SPAN) that are not used to meet the "K" requirement. These courses may be either language-focused or culture-focused, providing flexibility and depth to the student’s educational experience. Eligible courses also include introductory courses in a language different from a student's primary language and from their "K" requirement language, as well as linguistic and culture courses conducted in English by faculty teaching in contemporary languages (i.e., ARAB, CHIN, FREN, GERM, JAPN, PORT, SPAN). Global Health majors are encouraged to pursue language courses at levels above 211, but also have the option of shifting to a new language if their global or language interests are better supported by a new language tradition.
Experiential Learning Requirement
The 0 credit GH 050 - Experiential Learning component of the Global Health major involves student engagement in a volunteer position, internship, job, research position, or off-campus study experience connected to the field of Global Health. Students work with the Director of Global Health to determine the suitability of a particular experience and to receive approval for this requirement.
Global Health Minor
Required Components (6 courses)
Global Health Core
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| GH 100 | Introduction to Global Health |
| GH 202 | Epidemiology (prerequisite GH 100) |
| GH 210 | Global Health Research Methods (prerequisite GH 202 ) |
- 2 Global Health Electives (8 credits)
- 1 Thematic Elective (4 credits)
Additional Notes:
- GH 452: Advanced Senior Research may be substituted for GH 400: Senior Capstone. GH 451: Senior Research is a prerequisite for GH 452.
- Students may transfer one Global Health Elective and one Thematic Elective towards fulfilling the requirements of the major or minor.
- Any curricular exceptions must be approved by the GH Director.
Courses
GH 050 - Experiential Learning (0 Credit Hours)
This 0-credit Experiential Learning component of the Global Health major involves student engagement in a volunteer position, internship, job, research position, or off-campus study experience connected to the field of Global Health. Students work with the Director of Global Health to determine the suitability of a particular experience and to receive approval for this requirement.
GH 100 - Introduction to Global Health (4 Credit Hours)
The course will provide an overview of health from a global perspective with a societal and anthropological focus. The purpose of the course is to evaluate the patterns and societal issues associated with understanding and responses to diseases. Furthermore, students will have an opportunity to analyze quantitative and qualitative data in order to address policy and programmatic change. Central to the course is a critical examination of health disparities, the interaction between health and the environment, and the burden of disease and mortality. Upon completion of the course, students will be competent in addressing global health issues with a critical lens and from a culturally relevant perspective.
GH 202 - Epidemiology (4 Credit Hours)
Epidemiology is the science that studies the distribution and determinants of health events, including various diseases and is built upon the premise that poor health outcomes are not randomly distributed in a population. This course provides an epidemiologic approach to the study of incidence, prevalence, and patterns of health outcomes in populations and the application of this study to the control of global and public health threats. With a lab opportunity, students will learn about study designs used in epidemiology, calculate basic epidemiologic measures, identify threats to study validity, debate population health surveillance and screening programs, and learn to draw appropriate inferences from epidemiologic data and reports. Although Epidemiology makes use of a lab period, it is designated as a non-lab science course (Y non-lab) in Denison's General Education curriculum. Offered 3 of every 4 semesters, contact the Global Health Program for the schedule.
Prerequisite(s): GH 100.
GH 210 - Global Health Research Methods (4 Credit Hours)
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of research study design and methods and data collection in the discipline of Global Health. It serves as an introduction to quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods and participatory approaches to research, as well as ethical issues in conducting research. Through different types of texts and articles from global health literature and course work, students will build skills for conducting research and evaluation. Offered 3 of every 4 semesters, contact the Global Health Program for the schedule.
Prerequisite(s): GH 100.
GH 340 - Maternal & Child Health (4 Credit Hours)
This course delves into key topics and issues in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) from a global perspective, with a central emphasis on Power and Justice. Major themes include reproductive health and rights, pregnancy and fetal development, birth and postpartum health, and infant and child health. The course critically explores how social, political, economic, environmental, and historical structures of power and inequality shape health outcomes for women and children across diverse domestic and international contexts. Drawing on the core disciplines of global health-epidemiology, health policy and administration, and social and behavioral health, students will analyze health disparities related to race, ethnicity, immigration, gender, religion, and class within a social ecological and life-course framework. The course includes engaging readings, assignments, and documentaries, along with class discussions, to enhance students’ subject knowledge. Given that maternal and child health is one of the key branches of global and public health, this course will help students explore their interests in MCH and the potential career opportunities available in both the private and public sectors in the U.S. and around the world. Knowledge of MCH is valuable for pursuing several career paths, including medicine, healthcare administration, health policy, research, health consultancy, social work, and more.
Prerequisite(s): GH 100.
GH 345 - Global Health and Nutrition: From Burden to Prevention Across the Life Course (4 Credit Hours)
This interdisciplinary course examines the dynamic relationship between nutrition and global health using a life-course approach and comparative regional perspectives. Students analyze the global burden of nutrition-related diseases and their determinants across infancy, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. The course explores macronutrient and micronutrient roles, major dietary patterns across world regions, and the double burden of undernutrition and over-nutrition. Through oral presentations, comparative case studies, and quantitative analyses of nutrition data, students evaluate interventions that address global health inequities linked to food systems and dietary transitions.
Prerequisite(s): GH 100.
GH 352 - Planetary Health (4 Credit Hours)
Human health is intimately linked to the natural systems on which it depends. With advances in technology, agriculture, and health knowledge, humans are living longer than ever. However, those same technologies have pushed planetary systems to a breaking point. This class seeks to elaborate a path forward that recognizes the profound impact human ‘progress’ has on our planet and the reciprocal impact changes in natural systems will have on the future of human health.
Prerequisite(s): GH 100 or SES 100.
Crosslisting: SES 352.
GH 361 - Directed Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
A student in good standing may work intensively in areas of special interest under the Directed Study plan. A Directed Study is appropriate when, under the guidance of a faculty member, a student wants to explore a subject more fully than is possible in a regular course or to study a subject not covered in the regular curriculum. A Directed Study should not normally duplicate a course that is regularly offered. Directed Studies are normally taken for 3 or 4 credits. A one-semester Directed Study is limited to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Note: Directed Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
GH 362 - Directed Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
A student in good standing may work intensively in areas of special interest under the Directed Study plan. A Directed Study is appropriate when, under the guidance of a faculty member, a student wants to explore a subject more fully than is possible in a regular course or to study a subject not covered in the regular curriculum. A Directed Study should not normally duplicate a course that is regularly offered. Directed Studies are normally taken for 3 or 4 credits. A one-semester Directed Study is limited to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Note: Directed Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
GH 363 - Independent Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
Independent Study engages a student in the pursuit of clearly defined goals. In this effort, a student may employ skills and information developed in previous course experiences or may develop some mastery of new knowledge or skills. A proposal for an Independent Study project must be approved in advance by the faculty member who agrees to serve as the project advisor. Note: Independent Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
GH 364 - Independent Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
Independent Study engages a student in the pursuit of clearly defined goals. In this effort, a student may employ skills and information developed in previous course experiences or may develop some mastery of new knowledge or skills. A proposal for an Independent Study project must be approved in advance by the faculty member who agrees to serve as the project advisor. Note: Independent Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
GH 381 - Infectious Diseases (4 Credit Hours)
This 300-level elective course for majors in Global Health at Denison University delves into the intricate world of infectious diseases and their impact on global health. The course provides a comprehensive exploration of the epidemiological cycle, examining patterns of spread, prevention, and control strategies for a range of infectious diseases. Students will gain in-depth knowledge about surveillance methods, outbreak investigations, hospital-acquired infections, and the growing concern of drug resistance. The curriculum includes a detailed study of various modes of disease transmission, including droplet infections, ingestion, contact (including sexually transmitted diseases), and arthropod-borne diseases. The course also highlights significant infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis, COVID-19, zoonotic diseases, and major tropical and neglected diseases, alongside global health initiatives and interventions aimed at combating them, including vaccination. Designed to support students on the pre-med track and students with broad interests in healthcare, the course offers valuable insights into the epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases, emphasizing their burden in global health contexts.
GH 382 - Health Systems and Policy (4 Credit Hours)
This course explores the foundations of health systems and policy in the U.S. and around the world. Key themes include types of healthcare systems and models globally and locally, the role of policy in health economics and finance, government insurance programs (e.g., Universal Healthcare, Medicare and Medicaid), healthcare quality and equity, structural and social drivers of health policy, and using policy to improve health outcomes. Through lectures, films, case studies, and interactive class activities, you'll examine how social, political, and economic factors shape access to care, utilization, and ultimately health outcomes. Health policy is at the heart of global and public health without policy and implementation, knowledge and research have little impact. This class will also help you explore career pathways in health policy and related fields, including healthcare administration, program evaluation, health services research, consultancy, social work, and more. Gain skills and insights that are valuable across disciplines, and see how policy connects directly to health, equity, and justice, locally and globally, to improve health outcomes for everyone, everywhere.
Prerequisite(s): GH 100.
GH 384 - Global Lifespan Development (4 Credit Hours)
Global Health emphasizes study and research on the social determinants of health and prioritizes improving health outcomes; it involves a multidisciplinary approach and promotes multidisciplinary collaboration. One lens for examining global health is through our understanding of human lifespan development, that is growth and change from conception to death. Case studies provide an opportunity to explore how health and development is shaped at different life stages by biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. How do these influences shape individual and population continuity and change, including healthy development and well-being? Our course will include infancy, early childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. For example, asthma is a non-communicable disease that significantly impacts school-age children. In a case study, we may examine research and readings related to: How the experience of asthma impacts biological growth and development (e.g., reduced lung function, increased inflammation, reduced participation in physical activity). How asthma influences psychological factors (e.g., social isolation, loneliness, and depression). What social/environmental factors may influence asthma rates in school-age children (e.g., exposure to smoking, exposure to environmental allergens and air pollution, or reduced tree coverage in a city neighborhood)? We will examine how different approaches may be required to best understand health interventions and outcomes across the lifespan. To do this work, we will examine the varied contexts in which humans develop around the world with an understanding that human ecosystems are part of a complex and interconnected world.
Prerequisite(s): GH 100.
GH 385 - Global Mental Health (4 Credit Hours)
Global Health prioritizes equity in its mission to improve health and healthcare for everyone, everywhere, including alleviating mental health suffering. Global Mental Health promotes the advancement of awareness, prevention, advocacy, and best-practice interventions globally for mental disorders and substance use/abuse. This course adopts a multidisciplinary perspective to advance the identification, assessment, and treatment of mental, neurological, and subtance use disorders across diverse populations. Throughout the course, we will examine the critical intersections of research, advocacy, policy, and implementation. We will discuss the systems and procedures for coordinating and managing global mental health data and the need for training and facilitation of health care providers. Our curriculum explores the social determinants of mental health, focusing equally on the prevention and treatment of disorders, as well as the promotion and maintenance of mental wellness. While we will briefly address the historical factors that have shaped the field, our primary focus remains a contemporary understanding of diagnosis and treatment in both developing and developed nations, and among marginalized populations globally. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to discuss how systemic equity and evidence-based practice can address the global burden of mental illness.
Prerequisite(s): GH 100 or permission of the instructor.
GH 400 - Global Health Capstone (4 Credit Hours)
The main purpose of this course is to provide the culminating, integrative curricular experience during the last year of the major. As such, the course draws on students’ prior training in the three other core courses and their experiential learning experience gained in the field prior to their graduation. More than just providing a review of the GH curriculum, however, the Capstone is designed to challenge students to reflect and integrate their experiential learning with the goal of developing their own individual point of view regarding the role of global health in contributing to the improvement of the health and well-being of populations across the globe. Offered each Spring semester.
GH 451 - Senior Research (4 Credit Hours)
Students may enroll in Senior Research in their final year at Denison. Normally, Senior Research requires a major thesis, report, or project in the student's field of concentration and carries eight semester-hours of credit for the year. Typically, a final grade for a year-long Senior Research will not be assigned until the completion of the year-long Senior Research at the end of the second semester. Each semester of Senior Research is limited to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Note: Senior Research may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
GH 452 - Advanced Senior Research (4 Credit Hours)
Students may enroll in Senior Research in their final year at Denison. Normally, Senior Research requires a major thesis, report, or project in the student's field of concentration and carries eight semester-hours of credit for the year. Typically, a final grade for a year-long Senior Research will not be assigned until the completion of the year-long Senior Research at the end of the second semester. Each semester of Senior Research is limited to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Note: Senior Research may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
Prerequisite(s): GH 451.