About HSCI 2500 A
Collaborative investigation of the nature of health communication and an exploration of the ways in which health communication is intertwined with public health and health care. Prerequisites: HSCI 1100; minimum Sophomore standing.
Notes
Prereqs enforced by the system: HSCI 1100; Additional prereq: HSCI 1980 or BHSC 1980 or ENGL 1001; Open to degree and PACE students
Section Description
Welcome to HSCI 2500! This course provides an overview of health communication theories and practices while exploring health communication as an important specialty within public health, health sciences, and communication studies. Students will develop skills in communicating health-related information to diverse audiences, from individuals to populations, with the goal of making health information understandable, trustworthy, inclusive, and actionable.
We will examine how health information is developed, delivered, interpreted, and used across a variety of contexts, including patient-provider relationships, interpersonal communication, mass media, and digital platforms. Topics include health literacy, audience-centered communication, message framing, health misinformation, risk communication, trust, and the role of communication in addressing health inequities and motivating behavior change.
This is an active, practice-based course that emphasizes applying health communication principles to real-world public health and health care challenges. Through readings, discussions, case studies, simulations, and collaborative activities, students will critically analyze health messages, develop and test communication strategies, and practice adapting information to meet the needs of different audiences. Students will be expected to engage actively in class, think critically, solve problems, and explain and defend their communication decisions. Throughout the semester, we will explore a central question: **What does an audience need to know, understand, feel, or do—and what might get in the way?**
Section Expectation
Class attendance and engagement is essential.
Evaluation
Course assessments emphasize active, hands-on learning through in-class assignments, case studies, simulations, and individual activities that encourage critical thinking and the application of health communication principles. Students will also work collaboratively to develop, test, and evaluate a health communication campaign designed for a specific audience.
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.
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Resources
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