UHP Academy Seminars

Public Understanding and Misunderstanding of Medical Science

Course: UHPA 004
Credit: 1 UHPA credit
Time: 5:30-7:35PM
Days: Wednesday (first class Aug 21, last class Oct 2)
Location: TBD
Instructors: Jamie Yannayon and Anna Komsa

Description:
This course focuses on how the public understands and misunderstands medical science as related to the health care sector. We will engage in discussions about science communicators, media and communication pathways,
public perception of science, and the implications of how the public understands of science in social, political, and other general contexts.

Collaborative learning and discussion will be the basis for this course. Course participants are expected to share their own experiences, ideas, connections, and questions in every class. We will analyze science communications and explore the relationship between the public and science through interactive and creative assignments. Projects and assignments will be open-ended and subject to each student?s interests within the scope of the course. Outside of the classroom, course participants will be expected to complete weekly relevant readings, short weekly assignments, and at least one project that spans multiple weeks. The goal of these assignments is to discover and investigate science communication pathways that can feed classroom discussions.

The central focus of the course is how the public receives, perceives, and understands medical science via mass media and communication pathways. We will first identify and examine these communications. Then we will evaluate how experts and science communicators approach creating those large scale communications. Finally, the course will analyze how science communication and public understanding of science influences politics, economics, and other major components of modern-day society.

Topics in this course include but are not limited to biomedical research and technology, public health, health care administration and policy, health care economics, epidemiology, pharmaceuticals, as well as applied life and natural sciences. This course will not specifically cover the history of science or medicine, science and medical education, or high-level academic research publications.

The ultimate goal of this course is to inspire students to pursue effective communication opportunities as experts in their respective fields.

Controversial Topics in Agriculture

Course: UHPA 005
Credit: 1 UHPA credit
Time: 6:00 – 8:00PM
Days: Tuesday (course meets first half of the semester)
Location: TBD
Instructors: Kim Schreiber, Colby Gupton, and Daniel Alvey

Description:
In this six week one credit hour course, we will explore the various topics dividing agriculture and its future. Though less than two percent of the country's population works in agricultural production directly, these issues impact everyone's daily lives. In an age where we are facing an ever-growing population, there is an increased struggle to meet the demand for food, fiber, and natural resources, leading agriculturalists to use innovative methods to feed the world. As agriculture advances to meet global demands, the public must become knowledgeable about the industry and formulate educated opinions about where their food comes from. This course will go beyond what is broadcasted through various media networks and allow students to explore both sides of the controversial topics in the agricultural industry through discussions, research and presentations.

Historical Conspiracy Theories of the 20th and 21st Century

Course: UHPA 006
Credit: 1 UHPA credit
Time: 5:00 – 7:00PM
Days: Tuesday (course meets first half of the semester)
Location: TBD
Instructors: Kelly Cravener and Sam Dearstyne

Description:
From the assassination of JFK to NASA landing on the moon, society continues to debate and question the legitimacy of prominent events in history. We will explore critical events in the world?s history that have developed several conspiracy theories over time. This course is focused on group discussions and debates that will challenge students to think critically and develop personal opinions.

A Journey for Purpose

Course: UHPA 008
Credit: 1 UHPA credit
Time: 7:00 – 8:15PM
Days: Wednesday
Location: TBD
Instructors: Andriy Shymonyak and Neel Mandavilli

Description:
This seminar will explore Eastern and Western approaches to examining the purpose of life through selected readings, active reflection, and experiential learning. Students will apply critical perspectives to a breadth of lifestyles and discuss varied conceptions of the good life.

Directed Study

Course: UHPA 100
Credit: 1 UHPA credit
Time: TBD
Days: TBD
Location: TBD
Instructor: TBD

Directed Study is a self-designed course in which a small group of 2-5 UHP students pursue reading, thinking, and dialogue under the guidance of an NCSU faculty or staff member. Students who take a Directed Study typically do so to explore topics in more depth than can be done in typical undergraduate courses, or to explore topics not offered within the curriculum. For more information, see the Directed Study Guidelines.

For more information, contact Aaron Stoller