Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Corporations, Health and Democracy 1900-Present

This course will examine the changing impact of corporate business and political practices on health since 1900 in the US and globally. Using scholarship from history, economics, political science and public health, students will analyze how various industries including automobile, firearms, food, alcohol and tobacco and pharmaceutical contribute to patterns of health and disease. The course focuses on the role of business practices in chronic diseases and injuries, two leading causes of premature death and preventable illness in the 21st century, and will consider the varying public health responses to corporations, from partnerships to regulation, social responsibility initiatives and activist campaigns.