COMM383

This course introduces students to the theory, principles, and practical applications of the ever-changing dynamics of health communication. Communication is viewed as an important tool to develop, maintain, and enhance relationships between individuals, families, community organizations and members, health professionals and consumers, government agencies and the general public, and all members of our society. Students will discover, analyze, and practice the steps to develop, implement, and evaluate health communication interventions. Emphasis will be on the use of a systematic and strategic process including a conceptual framework, message development, developing and implementing a dissemination plan, monitoring, and evaluation.
This course is based on the premise: “You Cannot Not Communicate!” The overall goal of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate how to use communication in public health interventions by planning, implementing, and evaluating a health communication program. There will be several guest lecturers coming in from life science industry and nonprofits who will be invited to speak at class meetings.