Global Programs

Community Health: A Society in Transition

Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Tentative Dates: July 4 - August 3, 2013

The increase in democratization in the Republic of South Africa brought about by the change in government and the end of apartheid in 1994 has led to significant institutional changes that affect the delivery of and access to health care. This 6-credit seminar examines the impact of these changes on community health. Students learn about topics such as health care delivery, infectious and chronic disease (including HIV, TB, Malaria and various cancers), implementation of HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs, health policy and more. Students also spend one week shadowing the activities of community-based social advocacy groups or health NGO's, in order to gain insights into the important role civil society organizations play in community health in South Africa.

The seminar examines the impact of political change, and changes in the burden of disease on community health. Students examine how primary health care is delivered through the South African health care system; the current distribution of infectious and chronic diseases (including HIV, TB, Malaria and various cancers) in South Africa; specific issues related to reproductive health including the implementation of HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs and issues in family planning. The course also examines challenges for health policy and service implementation, associated with the legacy of apartheid as well post-apartheid era developments. After a week of lectures, and field trips, students spend one week shadowing the activities of a community-based social advocacy groups or health NGO's, in order to gain insights into the important role civil society organizations play in community health in South Africa.

Three weeks of the course are spent in Cape Town and include lectures, seminars, and field trips in the Western Cape. During the third week of the course, students travel to rural areas od KwaZulu-Natal, which is the epi-center of HIV in South Africa to learn about research projects concerning HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment and other key health issues and examine health care delivery and community health issues from a rural perspective. During this segment of the course those students who choose to, are given the opportunity to stay overnight with a family living in the rural area. At the end of this week most students take a 3 day break to visit a game reserve near where the group has been staying. Back in Cape Town for the final week of the course students work on a presentation on the topic related to the work they were involved in during the second week of the course.

Prior to the start of the course, students are expected to read some assigned material and attend two days of orientation in Cape Town. There are approximately four lectures and two seminars per week, plus a minimum of eight hours per week of library/computer-based assignments. Evaluation of student performance is based on the presentation made the final week, a reflective log, and course participation.

 

6 Points. Offered through Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health

Degree Program Information

The program carries 6 graduate points, which may be taken toward the Master of Public Health degree. As special students, nonmatriculated/visiting students may earn 6 points, which may be transferred to the student’s home school with that school’s permission. Visiting students should consult with their home institution before enrollment to ensure that points earned in this program may be applied toward their degree.

Applicants

NYU Graduate Students:  Students from all NYU schools are encouraged to apply.

Non-NYU Students: Qualified graduate students from other Universities are encouraged to apply. Please refer to the directions for "Non-NYU Students for Summer Abroad" on the "How To Apply" page.

*Note to All Applicants: All program applicants are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to determine if and how this course may be applied towards their program requirements and degree completion. 

Courses

PUHE-GE 2316 099 International Community Health Seminar: Africa (6 points)

Important Note: All program applicants are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to determine if and how this course may be applied towards their program requirements and degree completion

Syllabus

For a sample course syllabus and schedule, please click on the links below.

2010 Sample Syllabus

Faculty

Sally Guttmacher, Professor, Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, New York University; Past President, Public Health Association of New York City; Past Chair, Medical Care Section, American Public Health Association; Visiting Professor, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cape Town, 1997

In addition, the seminar is taught by faculty from the UCT Public Health and Primary Care Department, most of whom have a strong background in epidemiology and all of whom are engaged in community-based research.

Accommodations

Students reside in double occupancy housing within walking distance of the university. Single rooms may be requested at an additonal cost, please contact steinhardt.global@nyu.edu for more information. Single rooms cannot be guaranteed. Vans are provided for field trip travel.

Group accomodation dates correspond with the program dates listed above.

Field Trips

There are several field trips planned for the program. Students are free on weekends to travel and to explore the Cape Town area.

Costs

2013 Graduate tuition: $1367 per point, plus registration fees

2013 Housing Fee: $1,100
2012 Activity Fee: $1,000

Total Fees: $2,100

For More Information

Program Administration: Office of Academic Initiatives and Global Programs, Steinhardt Schoolof Culture, Education, & Human Development, New York University, 82 Washington Square East,5th floor, New York, NY 10003; (t) 1-212-992-9380; (f) 1-212-995-4923; steinhardt.global@nyu.edu

Academic Content: Sally Guttmacher, Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Masters of Public Health Program, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, & Human Development, New York University, 35 West Fourth Street, Room 1221, New York, NY 10003-1172; (t) 1-212-998-5616; sg2@nyu.edu