SPHU 444: Social Aspects of Infectious Diseases

  Malaysia - Summer 2009 (May 20 – June 30)  

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the interactions of culture and health in different socioeconomic situations.  The service learning internship component of this course not only provides meaningful service to community partners, but also enhances and integrates students’ academic and practical experiences. The main goal is to provide students with hands-on opportunities for appreciating cultural and social contexts of disease in an environment other than what they may be familiar with. The course also aims to prepare students for active civic participation in this domain.

Through the community service project of this course, students will provide invaluable  assistance to partnering organizations while acquiring experience that will enhance their classroom learning and aid in their immersion in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur and its surroundings.  Students have opportunities to work with programs operated by the Malaysia AIDS Council and its partners in a four-week internship in Malaysia. In class experiences are conducted at the University of  Malaya Medical Centre in conjunction with local faculty and guest speakers. Weekend enrichment activities include  group dinners, excursions, and social activities in Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas.

Students will visit the Hindu shrine at Batu Caves.

        Students interview sex workers at the Malaysia AIDS council.

The course instructor, Latha Rajan MD, is a native of India, and previously worked in Malaysia at the University of Malay.  Her research specialty is infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS and TB.  Dr. Rajan also teaches an undergraduate core course, SPHU 102 - The Cell, The Individual, and The Community, as well as graduate level courses in the department of Tropical Medicine.  View a video interview with Dr. Rajan.

This summer we are pleased to have a total of ten students participate in  our first offering of SPHU 444: Social Aspects of Infectious Diseases. The  course is a total of six credits, and--through the service-learning component--will fulfill the students' capstone requirements.