Description: The health of rural American communities has diverged from that of suburban and urban communities over the last four decades. This class will help students to understand the causes and consequences of as well as possible solutions for rural health disparities in the United States. The class will provide students with background knowledge regarding the nature of rural life, the unique health challenges facing rural communities, as well as the policies and politics that shape rural health. The class will help prepare students for working in healthcare environments in rural communities as well as working in advocacy and policy environments focused on rural health. Through lectures, class discussions, group exercises, and group on projects on contemporary rural health issues, students develop the skills necessary to work on or in rural health.
Learning Objectives: Course Learning Objectives:
1. Evaluate the social, economic, and place-based factors that shape rural health access and outcomes.
2. Appraise the policy and political landscape as well as relevant stakeholders that are important for rural health.
3. Develop strong written and verbal communication skills related to public policymaking and health communications.
4. Identify and evaluate policy strategies designed to improve rural health.
5. Develop personal and communication skills to effectively navigate rural health policy debates to policymakers, the press and the public.
