Alison Louise Drake
G H 490
The Global Perspectives on Reproductive Health course will engage students from diverse disciplines, including public health, demography, epidemiology, policy, sociology, and medicine, in topics on global reproductive health. The course will focus on family planning and population policy, including the following topics: male and female contraception, abortion policies, human rights, HIV/STIs, access to services, and cost-effectiveness of contraception. This landscape course is designed to give students an overview of global reproductive health, and encourage interdisciplinary learning through active participation in lectures and discussions. It will emphasize current issues, challenges, and strategies to improve reproductive health, with a focus on resource-limited settings. The course is designed for a broad range of students from all schools and departments who have an interest in global reproductive health.
Student learning goals
Describe and compare methods of contraception and related service delivery requirements
Describe barriers and facilitators to contraceptive use and abortion
Compare and contrast domestic and global reproductive health challenges, including abortion policies and intervention implementation
Define terminology and descriptive epidemiology of major reproductive health indices
Discuss goals, strengths and limitations of individual and structural interventions to improve reproductive health
Demonstrate expertise on a current reproductive health topic as it relates to a specific vulnerable population
General method of instruction
The course will use a variety of formats in order to maximize interactions between presenters and students and encourage class collaboration and participation. Each class will be dedicated to a topic relevant to global reproductive health, including comparing domestic and global perspectives. Course instructors and guest lecturers will provide reading materials for students to read prior to each class session. Course formats include lectures and discussions, panels, and case study activities.
Graduate student or upper-level undergraduate student
Class assignments and grading
1) Reading responses: Students will be expected to complete all assigned readings for the session prior to class, and submit a brief (1/2 – 1 page) synopsis, critique, or impressions of the reading via an online discussion board before the next class session. Students are expected to submit at least 15 entries on the discussion board.
2) Class participation: Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and exercises, including case scenarios and interaction with panelists/presenters. Students unable to participate in more than 3 classes (i.e., missing more than 3 classes) will need to inform the instructor and may need to complete an additional assignment to demonstrate understanding of the topic(s) covered.
3) Group Project (Graduate) or Individual Paper (Undergraduate) Students will conduct group projects on salient reproductive health topics not covered during the course OR on reproductive health topic(s) related to a vulnerable population. Topics will be reviewed and approved by an instructor. Students will select ONE of the following projects: GRADUATE STUDENTS a. Give a 10-15 minute presentation b. Participate in a debate (group project) UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS c. Write a 5-7 page paper
To receive credit for the course students will be evaluated on reading responses (35%), class participation (15%), and a group project or individual paper (50%).