This public health course seeks to provide an introduction to slums and slum health in the global context. We will begin with lectures on the formation of slums, discussing how globalization, urbanization, and governmental legislation factor into their development. Then, we will move to the characteristics of slums and urban poverty in relation to health and human rights issues. Finally, the course will conclude with student analysis of policy and community-based interventions in a slum community. Through this class, we hope to foster an understanding of the foundations of slum development and the various factors that exacerbate their conditions. The ultimate goal is for students to become advocates for the rights of slum dwellers.

The course will run 13 weeks with guest speakers, ranging from a variety of disciplines (infectious diseases, public health, economics, law, city planning, systems engineering, etc.) coming in for 9 of those weeks.

There will be weekly questions and a final presentation!

First come, first served! There is also an application (link: https://forms.gle/9YwMewwxPvPJtSUp7 ) and we are heavily based on participation so availability for most, if not all, class meetings is required!