HLTH674

Recommended: Health communication, communication, journalism, literacy, or cognitive or information sciences classes. Credit only granted for: HLTH688L or HLTH674. Formerly: HLTH688L. Introduction to health literacy research, practice, and skills. The course will develop students' understanding of how health literacy is both a barrier and an asset for health. We will also examine how health literacy affects a wide range of outcomes. Students will learn the basics of health literacy concepts, models, and research methods, and discuss health literacy research and evaluation in clinical, public health, and community settings. Students will study key health topics, populations, and contexts for health literacy research and practice. The course will describe professional skills necessary for effective public health communication practice and provide opportunities to practice the skills. The implications of research for public health practice, policy, and consumer/patient interventions and behavior will be integrated so that public health practitioners and researchers are prepared to address health literacy in their future work.