CCOG for HE 251 Winter 2025


Course Number:
HE 251
Course Title:
Community and Public Health
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Examines the socio-economic, behavioral, biological, environmental, and other factors that impact human health and contribute to health disparities. Investigates basic processes, concepts, approaches, and interventions that identify and address the major health-related needs and concerns of populations. Provides an overview and history of the health system and the role of local, state, federal, and global public health entities in health promotion and disease prevention. Explores career opportunities in public health. May include community-based learning. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Use socio-ecological theory to examine the social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental factors that influence the health of the community.
  2. Explain the evolving roles and functions of local, state, federal, and global public health entities.
  3. Analyze how social and environmental determinants influence the health of individuals and populations.
  4. Explain the principles of social justice and the inter-relationship with health equity.
  5. Apply the fundamental concepts and features of planning, assessment, and evaluation to participate in health promotion program planning.
  6. Identify the basic concepts, methods, and tools used in evidence-based public health data to address the major health-related needs and concerns of populations. 

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

General education philosophy statement

Health Studies General Education courses encourage critical thinking about health, systems that influence individual and community health, and strategies that promote individual, community, and environmental health and well-being. Create an understanding of public health and preventive medicine by examining questions of racial and ethnic diversity, social class and identity, power and privilege, through the broader lens of cultural, social, behavioral and environmental factors. Identify areas of personal passion and interest in promoting social justice and health equity, while creating ways to serve as a current and future change agent in addressing community and public health issues.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

At the beginning of the course, the instructor will detail the methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a course grade.

Assessment methods may include the following:

  • Written examinations
  • Written assignments
  • Critical analysis of material
  • Course activities and discussion
  • Presentations and/or projects
  • Participation in class activities

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Discuss local, national and global public health trends that may affect health.
  • Explore the social, economic, institutional and cultural environments that affect health inequities.
  • Participate in a community-based-learning experience at a health or community-based organization. 
  • Use the reflection process to measure success and impact of the experience.
  • Identify community health professions; know job functions, educational requirements.
  • Understand the current roles and function of federal, state, local and international public health agencies in public health.
  • Analyze how to change public health policy.
  • Explore cultural and social factors that affect the quality, cost and barriers to health care.
  • Examine the macrosocial issues that affect health in urban and rural environments.
  • Explore how government, business, agencies and individuals can focus on environmental improvement.