BIOE 255

This course investigates the ethical dilemmas and health law during pandemics. It covers various ethical issues regarding health equity, prevention, containment, cure, and management. In the US, the coronavirus pandemic has exposed health inequities that are propelled by racism and structural injustice. The course explores racial health disparities and the disproportionate and devastating impacts of the Covid19 pandemic on people of color, immigrants, and marginalized groups. It investigates how U.S. religious communities have understood the pandemic and responded to the pandemic. Writing assignments, group exercises, and a final project promote students to engage in health communication. Students examine various case studies and stories of marginalized groups by challenging many Eurocentric assumptions of mainstream bioethics today. Course topics may include race and health inequities, medical exploitation of African Americans in the US, disease stigma, vulnerabilities of essential workers, Covid19 and xenophobia, social distancing, wearing masks, stay-at-home orders, PPE shortages, disability and triage, surveillance technology governance, vaccine acceptance, immunity passports, and reopening schools and workplaces. The class design utilizes a participatory, student-centered approach to classroom learning. Course materials include films, news media, legal cases, and public health literature.

Offered frequently.

CO24 - ARTHUM (Artistic and Humanistic), INTD - BIOE (Bioethics BIOE), INTD - HUM-RACETH (Intd Humanities-Race IHE), INTD - HUM-SCIVAL (Intd Humanities-Science IHE), INTD - NRSCMJBIOE (Neuro Bioethics Major NRSC), INTD - STS (Sci Tech Health Society STHS)