The human right to health is essential for people everywhere to lead lives of dignity. In the face of global health challenges, what must governments do to fulfill this right? What role should corporate and financial actors play in safeguarding human health? What strategies are advocates using to address negative health outcomes in local communities around the world, including in contexts of systemic marginalization? This course brings together students from the law, business, and medical schools to examine these questions, analyze human rights frameworks, and develop strategies for advancing the right to health through hands-on projects. Through a weekly seminar, students engage in theoretical and case-based discussions and participate in exercises and simulations to hone practical skills. Students then apply their interdisciplinary skills and expertise to projects in support of underserved communities or non-profit organizations seeking to promote the right to health in different countries around the world. This year, the course will include a particular focus on the intersection of human health and environmental justice, given that the triple planetary crises of climate change, toxic pollution, and ecosystem collapse are among the greatest threats to human health today. Students will analyze social determinants of health; impacts of inequality and racism on health outcomes; Indigenous and other non-western conceptions of health and human flourishing; and the relationship between the rights to health and to a healthy environment. Projects are expected to include collaborating with Indigenous partners in Panama to defend local communities' right to health, among other projects to advance human health and environmental justice. In lieu of an exam, student teams will prepare a final written deliverable for their project partners. Students may apply for a travel opportunity as part of the course.

Students who enroll in SSIM 933-0 in Winter Quarter will automatically be enrolled in SSIM 933-25 in Spring Quarter. Students will earn 1.25 credits (1.0 in Winter and .25 in Spring) and receive a grade at the end of Spring Quarter. The class meets during the Winter Quarter and has a final deliverable during Spring Quarter

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