Course Content and Outcome Guide for HE 255

Course Number:
HE 255
Course Title:
Film and Public Health
Credit Hours:
Lecture Hours:
Lecture/Lab Hours:
Lab Hours:
Special Fee:

Course Description

Critically explores public health issues as they are portrayed in popular films and discusses the scientific and social underpinnings of the public health issues. Recommended: WR 121 Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

·       Analyze how social, psychological and cultural perspectives of health are represented in film.   

·       Examine how gender, class, race and sexuality are portrayed in the media and determine how these factors influence health.

·       Explore dimensions of corporate and community interests and the implications for society.

·       Consider the impact of personal decisions and responsibilities on communities, work environment, and society.

·       Gain an appreciation of the role of diversity in achieving environmental, social and personal health.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

·       Written examination

·       Critical analysis of material

·       Group problem solving

·       Course activities and discussion

·       Student presentation

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)


Critical thinking


·       Compare

·       Predict

·       Hypothesize

·       Problem solving

·       Decision Making

Communication skills

·       Oral and written communication

·       Computer literacy

·       Cooperative group work

Interpersonal skills

·       Values clarification

Information Access skills

·       Collect qualitative and quantitative data

·       Evaluate validity




Discuss local, national and global public health issues that are portrayed in film.

Evaluate the scientific and medical accuracy as it is presented in film.

Describe how the media presents health issues in popular films.

Understand the current roles and function of federal, state, local and international public health agencies in the public health.

Analyze how individuals can influence public health policy.

Analyze how socially disadvantaged groups in society can achieve self-empowerment through inquiry and targeted activism.

Explore cultural, social, and gender factors that affect the quality, cost and barriers to health care.