Explore root causes of racial health disparities and learn to advocate for change in this comprehensive course.
Explore root causes of racial health disparities and learn to advocate for change in this comprehensive course.
This course delves into the root causes of racial health disparities in the U.S., examining how socio-political institutions, historical events, and state violence contribute to current health inequities. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of structural racism's impact on health outcomes and develop skills to advocate for change. The course covers topics such as the creation and codification of race, settler colonialism, immigration policies, housing segregation, and law enforcement practices. Through video lectures, readings, and writing assignments, participants will learn to identify policies and events shaping racial health inequities, discuss historical contributions to current disparities, and apply public writing strategies to work against these inequities.
Instructors:
English
What you'll learn
Describe the impact of structural racism on individual health outcomes
Identify policies and events that have shaped current racial health inequities
Discuss how historical events have contributed to present-day health disparities
Explain how inequities in institutions like schools, businesses, and policing affect health
Analyze the role of state violence in perpetuating racial health inequities
Apply public writing strategies to advocate for changes in health equity
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
3 Hours PreRecorded video
3 quizzes,1 peer-reviewed writing assignment
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
Shareable certificate
Closed caption
Get a Completion Certificate
Share your certificate with prospective employers and your professional network on LinkedIn.
Created by
Provided by

Top companies offer this course to their employees
Top companies provide this course to enhance their employees' skills, ensuring they excel in handling complex projects and drive organizational success.





There are 3 modules in this course
This course examines the root causes of racial health disparities in the United States, focusing on how structural racism embedded in socio-political institutions contributes to current health inequities. The curriculum is divided into three modules: Policy, Politics, and Racial Health Inequities; Historical Roots of Health Inequities; and State Violence and Health Inequities. Through a combination of video lectures, readings, discussions, and writing assignments, students explore topics such as the impact of historical events and policies on health outcomes, the creation and codification of race, settler colonialism, immigration policies, housing segregation, and the role of law enforcement in perpetuating health disparities. The course emphasizes critical analysis and advocacy skills, encouraging learners to apply public writing strategies to work against racial inequities in health.
Course Introduction & Policy, Politics, and Racial Health Inequities
Module 1 · 6 Hours to complete
Historical Roots of Health Inequities
Module 2 · 4 Hours to complete
State Violence and Health Inequities
Module 3 · 6 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
Instructors
Advocate for Health Equity and Community Engagement
Dr. Paul Fleming is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. He earned his PhD in Health Behavior from the University of North Carolina and his MPH in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education from Emory University. Dr. Fleming's work is deeply rooted in understanding the social determinants of health and addressing health inequities, particularly within marginalized communities. His mixed-methods research focuses on the root causes of health disparities, emphasizing the development and evaluation of interventions aimed at improving health outcomes in poor communities both in Michigan and internationally.Before joining the University of Michigan, Dr. Fleming served as a community health Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua, where he implemented health programs, and worked as a consultant for the World Bank and U.S. Agency for International Development on social determinants of health issues. He teaches courses such as "Structural Racism: Causes of Health Inequities in the U.S." and "Historical Roots of Health Inequities," integrating advocacy and community engagement into public health education. Dr. Fleming is also involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within public health practice, making significant contributions to community organizing efforts that strive for social change.
Scholar in Health Policy and Trust in Healthcare
Dr. Melissa Creary is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She holds both a PhD and an MPH from Emory University, where she developed her expertise at the intersection of public health, science, and technology studies. Dr. Creary's current research centers on community perspectives regarding trustworthiness in government and its impact on trust in healthcare systems. She teaches courses such as "Race, Ethnicity, and Culture in Health Policy" and "Public Health Systems," which explore critical issues related to health equity and policy.Dr. Creary's work emphasizes the importance of understanding how social determinants influence health outcomes, particularly within marginalized communities. Her research interests include the concept of "bounded justice," which critiques public health policies that fail to address underlying structural inequities, and "biocultural citizenship," examining how biology and culture intersect to shape identities and trust in health systems. Through her teaching and research, Dr. Creary aims to foster a deeper understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of health policies, contributing significantly to the discourse on health equity and community engagement.
Testimonials
Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.