Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

In this unit, we ask you to think about the vast and growing inequities in health that exist across the world and the challenges for people living in developing countries. We explore their underlying causes including: globalisation, transnational trade, tourism, rapid development, social and political transitions, climate change, violence and insecurity.
Using research reports and field experience from practical projects, we examine the wider context for working in international settings as well as the issues faced by Indigenous peoples, migrants and refugees.
We explore our responsibilities as 'global citizens' and we challenge you to think about ways you could make a difference.

Objectives

1. Reflect on personal values and assumptions regarding health, development, equity and social justice within the context of a globalising world;
2. Compare and contrast the principles, frameworks and ideological underpinnings of various disciplinary perspectives on global health challenges and examine their implications for practice;
3. Discuss the interdependence of health, development, human rights and ethical decision-making;
4. Describe and discuss inequities in health status and health service provision within and between countries, and their underlying causes;
5. Explain the importance of demographic and epidemiologic transitions in determining health outcomes at a global, regional, national and local level;
6. Identify emerging and future health challenges and their behavioural, socio-cultural, environmental, economic and political determinants;
7. Apply the principles of the 'determinants of health' approach for the analysis of a global health issue for selected populations, sub-groups and/or communities;
8. Critically reflect on contemporary debates regarding globalisation and health, responsibility for global health, and the role of global institutions and global cooperation in both causing and addressing health issues at a global, regional and local level.

Assessment

Hurdle requirement: 80% of tutorials, unless medical or other certification provided. Debate (25%), Written assignment (45%), Final Examination (30%) 2 hours

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Brian Oldenburg

Contact hours

12 hours per week including contact time (1 hour lecture, 2hour tutorial), fieldwork and self-directed learning

Prerequisites

Nil

Co-requisites

Nil

Prohibitions

Nil