Unit information: Health and Health Care in a Global Context in 2017/18

Unit name	Health and Health Care in a Global Context
Unit code	SPOLM1066
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Armstrong
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School for Policy Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will examine current patterns of health and illness in different parts of the world. It will highlight continuing inequalities in morbidity and mortality and explore their links with wider economic and social processes. This will be followed by a review of the evolution of non-communicable diseases globally. Infectious diseases in a global context will then be explored through a debate format. Global policies important in tobacco, mental health, nutrition and physical activity will then be explored in depth. We will then consider various inequalities in health and health care around the world. The unit will conclude with an examination of climate change and health.

Aims:

• To provide an overview of the global burden of disease

• To review current debates about the factors shaping these patterns of morbidity and mortality

• To examine the models of health care emerging in different economic and social settings and to review global inequalities in access and quality of services

• To explore possible strategies for promoting healthier public policies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of key data on global health

• Ability to link changing patterns of health and illness to wider processes of global restructuring

• Understanding of major determinants shaping health care in different parts of the world

• Capacity for critical reflection on policy options for improving global health

Teaching Information

Interactive lectures and seminars of 2 hours.

Assessment Information

A 4,000 word essay in which students should demonstrate a knowledge of health inequalities on a global basis, an awareness of the value of health governance in understanding health and the ability to draw on appropriate theoretical perspectives.

Reading and References

• K Buse, N Drager, S Fustukian & K.Lee (2002) Health Policy in a Globalising World: trends and opportunities Cambridge University Press

• D. Leon & G Walt (2001) Poverty and Health: an international perspective Oxford University Press

• World Health Organisation (2005) World Health Report: make every mother and child count. Geneva: WHO

• Global Health Watch (2005) Global Health Watch 2005-2006 An Alternative health report. Zed Books, London