- This course closed on October 29, 2024.
Course Description
As the introductory course in the degree program, this course provides an in-depth exploration of the current state of spiritual wellness in public health. Over 8 weeks, students will examine the role of spirituality in promoting holistic health, its integration within public health initiatives, and the evidence-based practices that support spiritual wellness as a component of comprehensive care. This course emphasizes understanding the theoretical foundations, current research, and practical applications of spiritual wellness in public health settings. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically assess and apply these concepts within diverse communities, creating impactful strategies for integrating spiritual wellness into public health policies and programs.
What you will learn
- Understanding the Role of Spiritual Wellness in Public Health: By Week 2, examine the historical and theoretical foundations of spiritual wellness and its significance within the field of public health. Develop a comprehensive understanding of how spiritual wellness contributes to holistic health outcomes.
- Reviewing Current Research and Practices: By Week 3, conduct a literature review to explore the current state of research on spiritual wellness in public health, identifying key studies, trends, and evidence-based practices. Summarize findings in a written report that highlights gaps and opportunities for further exploration.
- Analyzing Case Studies and Public Health Models: By Week 4, analyze case studies of public health programs that successfully integrate spiritual wellness components. Evaluate the effectiveness of these models and propose enhancements based on current research and community needs.
- Developing a Conceptual Framework: By Week 5, create a conceptual framework that integrates spiritual wellness into public health strategies. This framework should address the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of health and be adaptable for diverse populations and settings.
- Exploring Interdisciplinary Approaches: By Week 6, explore interdisciplinary approaches to integrating spiritual wellness into public health, considering collaborations with healthcare providers, community leaders, and faith-based organizations. Prepare a presentation on the benefits and challenges of these approaches.
- Designing a Public Health Initiative: By Week 7, design a public health initiative that incorporates spiritual wellness as a core component. The initiative should include a needs assessment, objectives, strategies for implementation, and evaluation methods to measure impact.
- Final Presentation: By Week 8, present the designed public health initiative to the class, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of spiritual wellness in public health.
- Ethical Considerations in Public Health and Spiritual Wellness: Throughout the course, demonstrate an understanding of ethical considerations when integrating spiritual wellness into public health, including respect for diverse beliefs, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity.
