Course Syllabus
Public Health Policy in Practice |
 |
| Semester & Location: |
Summer 2018 - DIS Stockholm |
| Type & Credits: |
Summer Course - 4 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Public Health, Pre-Medicine/Health Science |
| Faculty Members: |
Rachel Irwin |
| Program Director: |
Susana Dietrich |
| Time & Place: |
1D-508, TBD, TBD |
Faculty
|
Rachel Irwin |
Course Description
Sweden is facing a number of current challenges, including achieving cost-effectiveness in health care, and addressing public health concerns relating to migration and increasing inequalities. This course provides an overview of the Swedish health system, in relation to the broader welfare state, and in relation to other Scandinavian and European countries. Through a number of case studies, students will gain insight into how Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, assess public health challenges through research and economic evaluation. Furthermore, students will explore, analyze, and discuss how public health policies are developed and implemented in practice.
Expected Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze, explain and discuss the Swedish health care system and welfare state
- Compare the Swedish system with other European and high-income countries, such as the US and Canada
- Compare and discuss different policy options for addressing current public health challenges in Sweden
- Discuss the use of research and economic evaluation in setting health policy
- Assess performance and quality across health systems
- Reflect on how policies are implemented in practice
Teaching Methods
Different teaching formats will be used. The course may be a mix of interactive lectures, class discussions, group work, student presentations and peer feedback. A major part of the course will be based on debating issues, and students are expected to engage actively in oral presentations, discussions, group work and exercises.
Field studies
Three field studies are being planned. (1) The first is a healthy cities walk around Stockholm, where students will approach public health policy in practice. Through a guided walk through neighborhoods of Stockholm, students will identify risk factors for health and public health responses for health promotion. (2) The second is to the Mediterranean Museum to learn about the experience of Syrian refugees. The third is to the (3) Spirit Museum, where students will investigate historical and contemporary approaches to alcohol control in Sweden. Further information regarding the visits will be provided as the dates approach. The field visit sites are subject to change.
Study Tour
The Study Tour is an integral part of the course. We take the classroom on the road and see how theory presented in the classroom is translated into practice in the field. You will travel with your classmates and DIS faculty/staff on a weeklong tour to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Expectations for study tours
- Participate in all activities
- Engage in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to achieving the learning objectives
- Respect the destination, the speakers, DIS staff, and your fellow classmates
- Represent yourself, your home university and DIS in a positive light
While on a program study tour DIS will provide hostel/hotel accommodation, transportation to/from the destination(s), approx. 2 meals per day and entrances, guides, and visits relevant to your area of study or the destination. You will receive a more detailed itinerary prior to departure.
Travel policies: You are required to travel with your group to the destination. If you wish to deviate from the group travel plans on the way back, you need approval from the assistant program director and the study tours office.
Evaluation and Grading
To be eligible for a passing grade in this class all of the assigned work must be completed.
Late assignments will be accepted, but the grade for the paper will be reduced.
The factors influencing the final grade and the proportional importance of each factor is shown below:
|
Component |
Weight |
|
Participation and engagement |
15 % |
|
Group Quiz |
15% |
|
Quiz |
25% |
|
Study tour reflection paper |
20 % |
|
Final paper |
25 % |
Participation and engagement
Participation is measured in regard to both attendance and academic activity level during class and study tour.
Quizzes
Students will take 2 lecture-based quizzes during the course, one of which will be done in a group. Please see syllabus for the specific dates.
Study tour reflection paper
Students will write a 1-2 page reflection (500-1000 words) on their experiences during the study tour. Further details on the assignment will be given at the beginning of the course.
Final paper
Students will submit a final paper, which will incorporate learning from the entire course. Students will be able to choose from three essay prompts, which will be provided during the first week of class. The paper should be approximately 2000 words.
Expectations of Students & Code of Conduct
- Laptops may be used for note‐taking, fact‐checking, or assignment in the classroom, but only when indicated by the instructor. At all other times laptops and electronic devices should be put away during class time.
- Reading must be done prior to the class session; a huge part of the class is dependent on discussions in class.
- Students need to be present and participating to receive full credit. The final grade will be affected by unexcused absences and lack of participation. Remember to be in class on time!
- Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of other opinions, listening to others and entering a dialogue in a constructive manner.
- Students are expected to ask relevant questions in regards to the material covered.
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
DIS Contacts
Mark Peters, Academic Coordinator, mpe@disstockholm.se
Bettina Hornbøll, Science & Health Assistant Program Director, bho@dis.dk
Susana Dietrich, Science & Health Program Director, sd@dis.dk
Required Readings
Please see the Canvas page under specific lectures for a list of the required and suggested readings.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|