Associate Professor of Epidemiology
The Influence of Social Context on Health
What You'll Learn
- Identify ways in which conditions in the healthcare setting and at work, school, and home influence health.
- Identify models for considering how the social context provides both sources of stress and sources of support for health.
- Explain how social and physical environments shape health and health inequalities over the life course.
4 Modules
20 Hours
5 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About The Influence of Social Context on Health
Why are some groups healthier than others, and how do these differences emerge and persist over the life course? How do social policies (e.g., housing, transportation, employment) relate to health and health inequalities? Why are there health disparities even in countries that have free universal health care? This course will address conceptual models for understanding health disparities in the US and internationally, how population science identifies the main sources of these disparities, and how public health can inform policy efforts to address these disparities.
After taking this course, you will be able to identify ways in which conditions in the healthcare setting and at work, school, and home influence health; identify models for considering how the social context provides both sources of stress and sources of support for health; and explain how social and physical environments, including schools and workplaces, the healthcare system, and neighborhoods, shape health and health inequalities over the life course.
Skills You'll Gain
- Health Equity
- Population Health
- Public Health
- Social Determinants Of Health
- Stress Management
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to The Influence of Social Context on Health, a course in the Social Determinants of Health specialization. This course explores how social environments—including families, workplaces, schools, healthcare systems, and neighborhoods—shape health and health inequalities across the life course. You will examine theory and evidence to understand how social stressors and supports influence health outcomes and equity.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Social Contexts and Health Foundations
- Social Determinants of Health Framework
- Impact of Stress and Social Connection on Health
Module 2: Work and School Contexts
- Ways Work Environments Shape Health
- Ways School Contexts Shape Health
Module 3: The Healthcare System
- Introduction to the Healthcare System
- Impact of the Healthcare System on Health Disparities
Module 4: Neighborhoods and the Environment
- How Neighborhoods Affect Health
- Environmental Influences on Health and Inequality
Grading Policy
Learners are assessed through quizzes and a peer review assignment. To pass the course, learners must earn 80% or higher on each assignment.
Assessment Breakdown:
- Stress and Social Connections Quiz – 18.5%
- Work and School Quiz – 18.5%
- Healthcare Systems Quiz – 18.5%
- Neighborhoods Quiz – 18.5%
- Peer Review Assignment – 25%
Associate Professor of Epidemiology
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Intermediate Level
Some related experience required
