HLTH 2300 — Introduction to Social Determinants of Health
4 semester hoursUndergraduateLectureNUpath SI
Introduces social and structural conditions as key contributors to people’s physical and mental health. Emphasizes how these social determinants create health inequities, particularly focusing on issues in the destination country. Builds foundational knowledge of major social determinants and the biological mechanisms (e.g., allostatic load, toxic stress) through which they influence health. Highlights applied examples from case studies, site visits, and literature to trace pathways from social conditions to health disparities. Examines how culturally responsive public policies can mitigate inequities and covers evidence synthesis, policy analysis, and brief writing. Responds to the growing need for future health leaders to understand how policies, labor markets, educational systems, and other upstream factors shape population health.