Argentina: Public Health in Urban Environments

Coursework

Prerequisites:
Previous college-level coursework and/or other significant preparation in health sciences, political science, anthropology, sociology, or development studies, as assessed by SIT. Three recent semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework and assignments in Spanish, as assessed by SIT.

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Epidemiology and Social Determinants of Health - syllabus (PDF)
(IPBH 3000 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
An interdisciplinary course conducted in Spanish. The course focuses on the epidemiological profile of Argentina and how living in urban environments can shape the health conditions of individuals. Living conditions in Argentina have improved due to achievements in the public health sector; however, great inequalities and inequities in health still exist. The course enables students to understand contemporary health challenges as they relate to epidemiology and social determinants of health, and to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to effectively engage in these issues. Lectures, discussions, and visits are conducted in Spanish by a variety of professors and guest lecturers. Argentine specialists from diverse fields including civil society participate during the course.

Health Systems, Policies, and Programs - syllabus (PDF)
(IPBH 3005 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
The course introduces students to the social organization of healthcare in Argentina. The course examines the development of the healthcare system as part of the social, political, and economic fabric of Argentine society. Students study the societal responses that have occurred throughout Argentina’s history to improve health and well-being. Using a comparative approach, the organization of the system is studied based on the way needs are addressed. The health system profile is presented and discussed at varying geographical levels, including the national, provincial, and local, and its administrative sectors — private, public, and social security.

Spanish for the Health Sciences
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for daily academic and cultural engagement with host communities. Additional emphasis is placed on increasing language skills in areas related to the thematic foci of the program, including public health, community welfare, and epidemiology. Classes focus on oral comprehension and communication, situational practices of new grammatical concepts, and cultural appropriateness. Emphasis is placed on the vocabulary used within the public health field to enhance interviewing skills, written assignments, and informal interactions.

Intensive Language Study – Spanish for the Health Sciences I - syllabus (PDF)
(SPAN 2000 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
Intensive Language Study – Spanish for the Health Sciences II - syllabus (PDF)
(SPAN 2500 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
Intensive Language Study – Spanish for the Health Sciences III - syllabus (PDF)
(SPAN 3000 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
Emphasis on speaking, reading, and writing skills through classroom and field instruction. Based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing, students are placed in intensive intermediate or advanced classes, with further language practice through lectures and field visits.

Public Health Research Methods and Ethics - syllabus (PDF)
(IPBH 3500 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
The course teaches skills that enable students to conduct research in the field of public health by preparing them to design and conduct an Independent Study Project following ethical standards in the Argentine cultural milieu. The course complements the program’s two thematic seminars. Emphasis is placed on appropriate methodologies, research design, and the ethics of applied health and social research. Students receive instruction and guidance regarding local customs, values, and appropriate behavior in Argentina.

Independent Study Project - syllabus (PDF)
(ISPR 3000 / 4 credits / 120 class hours)
Conducted at an approved location in Argentina appropriate to the project, the Independent Study Project offers students the opportunity to undertake a specific and individualized independent field study project that falls within the program's parameters. Projects should demonstrate a synthesis of the various components of the program and should contribute in some way to a greater understanding of the public healthcare sector in the context of Argentina. Sample topic areas: grassroots advocacy and healthcare services; AIDS policy and care; public health consequences of environmental contamination; urban agriculture and food security; effects of social policies on public health; gender and reproductive rights; achieving the UN Millennium Goals in Argentina; addiction and public health and policy; healthcare among immigrant populations.

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research

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Credits: 16

Duration: 15 weeks

Program Base: Argentina, Buenos Aires

Language Study: Spanish

Prerequisites: Three college semesters of Spanish and relevant coursework Read more...