The courses I have taught at the University of Notre Dame, Yale University, and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, primarily in quantitative methods and the social determinants of healths, are described below.
Actors, whether they are people, companies, or nations (or a near infinite number of other entities!), do not act independently. They are influenced by the presence, attributes, and choices of their connections, and these connections to others form a “network.” Network Science is the interdisciplinary study of the structure, function, and dynamics of these networks. In this seminar, we will explore the graph theory at the foundation of network science, the core analytical techniques for the analysis of graphs, and the scientific application of network science across disciplines. By the end of the term, you will be able to apply network science theories and analytical methods to your own research interests.
How do relationships between people (or companies, or institutions, or…) influence everything we feel, think, and do?
Broadly speaking, networks are the patterns of connections between actors. Actors in these structures are not independent — they are influenced by the presence, attributes, and choices of their connections, which has a variety of implications for business problems. In this class, you will learn the theories behind and analysis of networks, as well as how to quantitatively analyze network data. Students will leave this class with the skill to apply what they have learned to their own intellectual interests.
Broadly speaking, social networks describe and quantify the patterns of relationships between people, organizations, and people within organizations. As these entities within networks are not independent, each influences the behaviors of others in the network, which can determine a great many aspects of our lives. In this course we will explore how these interconnections shape the behaviors of individuals within social systems. You will learn the theories behind and analysis of social networks in a variety of settings, including but not limited to economic contagions, team performance, and the spread of information through networks. At the end of this class, you will be able to apply a social networks lens to your own intellectual interests and leadership aspirations.
Health is not simply the outcome of individual decisions and the genetics with which we are all born. Health is continuously constructed and influenced by exogenous factors, many of which become embodied over time. This course examined the ways in which our social circumstances influence our health and well-being. We also examined whether social ties, medical professionals, formal institutions, and particular geographies exacerbate disparities in life, health, and death. Students were exposed to qualitative and quantitative research in sociology, medicine, public health, and biosocial science.
The United States (U.S.) is unique in its lack of a universal health care system. This course explored the history and policies that have prevented the United States from enacting a health care system similar to that of other rich, developed countries, why the U.S. has a disjointed and inconsistent system, and what it would take for the U.S. to implement one now. In addition, the course covered how other countries' health care systems function and manage to provide care for so many and at much lower cost than what is provided in the U.S. The course concluded by asking students to write an extensive essay to explain whether they think a universal health care system will ever be possible in the U.S.
The United States (U.S.) is unique in its lack of a universal health care system. This course explored the history and policies that have prevented the United States from enacting a health care system similar to that of other rich, developed countries, why the U.S. has a disjointed and inconsistent system, and what it would take for the U.S. to implement one now. In addition, the course covered how other countries' health care systems function and manage to provide care for so many and at much lower cost than what is provided in the U.S. The course concluded by asking students to write an extensive essay to explain whether they think a universal health care system will ever be possible in the U.S.
The United States (U.S.) is unique in its lack of a universal health care system. This course explored the history and policies that have prevented the United States from enacting a health care system similar to that of other rich, developed countries, why the U.S. has a disjointed and inconsistent system, and what it would take for the U.S. to implement one now. In addition, the course covered how other countries' health care systems function and manage to provide care for so many and at much lower cost than what is provided in the U.S. The course concluded by asking students to write an extensive essay to explain whether they think a universal health care system will ever be possible in the U.S.
This course was focused not only on the physiological processes of women's health, but how culture shapes understandings of health above and beyond strict biological facts. The topic of "women's health" was described not only as reproductive biology (menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause), but women's health more broadly. This course covered topics in health disparities, sexuality, violence, body image and sport, disability, access to healthcare, mental health, addiction, and aging. Students learned how to apply an intersectional, feminist lens to their understanding of biology, health, and medicine.
Scientific progress is not simply the result of individual researchers making discoveries. This course focused on how specific policies and programs can contribute to scientific and societal advances. The course covered a wide range of topics, from vaccines to nuclear energy, to introduce students to the ways policy can shape science, how science shapes policy, and how both affect people's lives. Guest lecturers from a variety of sectors were regular contributors to the course.