HLT 378 Our Environment, Our Health

Current issues regarding the environment and its effect on human health (physical, psychological, psychosocial) will be explored from an ecological point of view. The effects of humans on the environment and the cyclical patterns this sets up will be examined. In particular, changes in attitudes and lifestyles that have occurred since the end of World War II will be investigated as contributing factors to the global situation in which we now find ourselves. The built environment, water, food, chemicals, air, land use, occupational exposures, climate change, risk, advocacy, and legislation are some of the topics which will be covered in this class. The basic science underlying environmental concerns will be addressed and definitions for the multitude of environmental concepts will be developed through class and individual activities. Current and emerging issues will be explored through the use of a variety of teaching and learning techniques.