|
Programs in Sustainable International Development
Heller School Course Bulletin
*This list is subject to change.
*Not all courses listed here are offered each year.
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
GRADUATE COURSES
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
CONSORTIUM SCHOOLS
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES (*generally not open to graduate students)
HS 104b American Health Care
Examines and critically analyzes the United States health care system, emphasizing the major trends and issues that have led to the current sense of "crisis." In addition to providing a historical perspective, this course will establish a context for analyzing the current, varied approaches to health care reform. Instructor: Mr. Altman
HS 110a Wealth and Poverty
Examines why the gap between richer and poorer citizens appears to be widening in the United States and elsewhere, what could be done to reverse this trend, and how the widening disparity affects major issues of public policy. Usually offered every year. Instructor: Mr. Thomas Shapiro
HS 120a Race and the Law
This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken WMNS 120a in previous years.
Explores how race has been defined and used to uphold or undermine the principles espoused in the Constitution and other sources of the law in the United States. Issues discussed range from treatment of Native Americans at the nation's birth to the modern concept of affirmative action. One of our premises is that ideally the law represents the synthesis of the narratives of various elements of a society. Usually offered every year. Instructor: Ms. Hill
HS 124a Dilemmas of Long-Term Care
Fifty million Americans have a disability. What kinds of help do they want? What are the responsibilities of families, friends, and communities to help? Current U.S. approaches to service delivery, financing, and organization are reviewed, and alternatives considered. Usually offered every second year. Instructor: Mr. Leutz
- Return to Top
Health: Science, Society and Policy Classes
taught by Heller faculty
HSSP 100b - Introduction to Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Population Health
Core course for the HSSP major and minor.Provides an orientation to the science of epidemiology, the quantitative foundation for public health policy. As a comprehensive survey course, introducing students from varying academic backgrounds to biostatistics, major epidemiological concepts, and providing training in their application to the study of health and disease in human populations. Case studies examine how environmental, physical, behavioral, psychological, and social factors contribute to the disease burden of populations. Usually offered every year in the spring. Instructor: Prof. Eve Wittenberg
HSSP 102a - Global Perspectives on Health
A primer on major issues in health care in developing nations. Topics include the natural history of disease and levels of prevention; epidemiological transitions; health disparities; and determinants of health including culture, social context, and behavior. Also covers: infectious and chronic disease incidence and prevalence; the role of nutrition, education, reproductive trends, and poverty; demographic transition including aging and urbanization; the structure and financing of health systems; and the globalization of health. Usually offered every year in the fall. Instructor: Prof. Bhalotra
HSSP 104b - Health Economics
Prerequisites: ECON 2aEmphasizes the concepts and tools of health economics applicable to both developed and developing countries. Topics include: cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis, the demand for health services, insurance and risk, managed care, provider reimbursement, national health insurance, and an overview of health care systems in other countries. Usually offered every second year. Instructor: Prof. Hodgkin
HSSP 192b - Sociology of Disability
May not be repeated for credit by students who have taken SOC 192b in previous years.In the latter half of the 20th century, disability emerged as an important social-political-economic-medical issue, with its own distinct history, characterized as a shift from "good will to civil rights." Traces that history and the way people with disabilities are seen and unseen, and see themselves. Usually offered every third year. Instructor: Mr. Gulley
- Return to Top
GRADUATE COURSES
Social Policy and Social Sciences
HS 300a Theory and Analysis of Social Policy
Develops theoretical perspectives on social policy, social justice, and social change, and a framework for analyzing and developing social policies. Identifies major institutional systems that function in any society throughout human evolution and which are key variables of social policy and social change practice. Instructor: Mr. Gil
HS 301a Oppression and Social Movements
Explores the nature of oppression in contemporary and past human societies, and the dynamics and role of social movements in confronting oppression and pursuing social change toward human liberation. The seminar is based on the assumption that all types of oppression throughout social evolution have common origins and functions. Examines these common aspects, as well as specific manifestations, such as racism, sexism, social class discrimination, colonialism, etc. Instructor: Mr. Gil
HS 303a Historical and Contemporary Developments in Social Welfare
This course traces the historical developments of the American welfare state. It entails cross-national comparisons and focuses on critical decision points in American political development. Students will develop a keen understanding of American ideology and institutions of government and how these shape the evolution of the contemporary welfare state. Instructor: Mr. Doonan
HS 316a Violence in Everyday Life: Sources, Dynamics, and Prevention
Explores the meaning, sources, and dynamics of social-structural and interpersonal violence, and relations among these destructive phenomena. Traces the social, psychological, economic, political, and cultural dimensions of violence and counter-violence in everyday life, with special emphasis on links between the organization and quality of work in society and levels of violence. It also explores approaches to reducing and eventually eliminating violence in human relations from local to global levels. Instructor: Mr. Gil
HS 319a Work and Individual and Social Development
Explores changes in the organization and design of work and the exchange of work products throughout the evolution of human societies, and the consequences of these changes for individual and social development. Facilitates insights into work as a universal, existential process, whose structure and dynamics were shaped and reshaped by individuals and societies throughout history as they interacted with one another and with natural environments in pursuit of survival and development, and as they gained knowledge of nature and enhanced their technological capacities and skills. Explores essential attributes of modes of work conducive to optimal human development and liberation. Instructor: Mr. Gil
HS 322b Sociological Inquiry
Introduces students to the basic research literature on social stratification, social mobility, and inequality. The theme of this seminar is an analysis of rising inequality world wide, placing the United States in this context. An examination of the sources for this phenomenon includes globalization, economic restructuring, public policy, and social mobility. Instructor: Mr. Shapiro
HS 372b Economic Theory and Social Policy
Prerequisite: a recent course in microeconomics.
Applies economic analysis to problems of importance to social policy. The particular applications may vary from year to year, but may include such topics as unemployment and inflation, social security, and the economics of race and gender. Instructor: Mr. Friedman
HS 427f The New Immigrants: Contexts, Adaptation, and Policies
Meets for half semester and yields half course creditThis module is designed to introduce students to the complex dynamics of immigration in the United States. It is intended to provide an overview of issues faced by new immigrant families, and to describe the ways in which U.S. public policy impacts these issues. The course is interdisciplinary, drawing on scholarship in sociology, political science, psychology, and social welfare, and is built upon three central themes: migration, membership and everyday life. Instructors: Mr. Prottas and Ms. Nguyen
HS 472b Policy and Program Implementation
Provides doctoral students with frameworks of use for the study of the implementation of public policies. Considers the implementation process in the United States from a broad perspective, ranging from the context of legislation and the role of courts to how the role of street-level bureaucrats can be studied. Political science, organizational theory, and sociological perspectives are used to develop frameworks for understanding the process through which public policy is realized and how it impacts institutions and individuals. Instructor: Mr. Prottas
HS 503a Social Issues and Problems: Inequality and Work
Provides students with a deeper understanding of the structure of the economy and of why the distribution of earnings, wealth, and opportunity have been diverging in the United States and other advanced nations. Intended to provide insights into the consequences of this divergence, and possible means of reversing it. Classes begin with a particular case-study, but expand to include background readings. Instructor: Mr. Reich
HS 515a Race/Ethnicity, Gender in Human Services Research
Explores theoretical and empirical approaches to race/ethnicity and gender as factors in health and human services practices, programs, and policies in the United States. Begins by examining current data on racial/ethnic and gender differences in health, mental health, functional status, and life-style. Attention then turns to alternative accounts of the causes of these differences. Although primary focus is on patterns of race/ethnicity and gender differences in health outcomes and services that have received the most comprehensive attention, the course offers perspectives on research methods and analytic frameworks that can be applied to other issues. Instructor: TBA
HS 526a Organizational Theory and Behavior
It is recommended that students take HS 472b prior to this course.This course introduces students to organization theory and behavior from a policy and management perspective. The literature on organization theory addresses itself to questions about the external environment within which organizations operate as well as the strategies and processes that are adopted by organizations in response to their environment. One basic question to which all course readings relate is: What role do organizations play in creating more effective policies and in delivering more effective policy outcomes? The range of topics will include: task complexity and uncertainty, professional behavior, decision processes, communication systems, coordination and teamwork, work design, resource interdependencies, organizational leadership and change. Instructors: Mr. Chilingerian, Ms. Gittell, Mr. Prottas
HS 527f Law and Society: Gender Equality in Theory and Practice
This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken HS 527f in previous years. Meets for half semester and yields half course credit.
Explores issues of gender equity that arise in different contexts, including in the state's treatment of its citizens in the workplace and within the family. Central to the course is the study of laws that impact women's lives. These include civil rights laws as well as laws related to sexual coercion and exploitation of women. The course is loosely divided into three areas of study. During the first few weeks the course examines the history of women's rights and the development of constitutional protection of them. Next looks specifically at laws aimed at securing women's economic equality with emphasis on workplace anti-discrimination provisions. In the final weeks, examines the problems of violence against women in the home and elsewhere and the law's response to it. Instructor: Ms. Hill
HS 528f Law and Society: Race and Class
This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken HS 528a in previous years. Meets for half semester and yields half course credit.
Explores race in American society from the framework of civil rights law. Using the case method, it attempts to facilitate a multicultural inquiry into anti-discrimination law by presenting civil rights issues as integrated social problems. Though the cases are organized around the traditional civil rights categories of education and housing, it also offers exploration of emerging areas such as the rights of language minorities and people with disabilities. Instructor: Ms. Hill
HS 529a Social Policy and Population Groups
Gives a broad introduction to some of the fundamental challenges for policies and programs that advance justice by examining alternative accounts of inequality and exclusion with respect to population characteristics such as race/ethnicity, gender, disability, and age. Uses a range of demographic and social science concepts and methods to explore the changing definition, life chances, social and health experiences, and political participation of groups defined by demographic and social location characteristics. Concludes with examination of social movements, policy approaches and institutional restructuring as means to promote equality and inclusion. This course is only open to Ph.D. program students. Instructor: Ms. Nguyen.
HS 532b Social Policy Analysis: Technique and Application
Examines approaches to policy analysis and assesses strength and limitations of various methods. Exposes students to a range of methods and theoretical frameworks for exploring and understanding contemporary social problems and policy challenges. Begins with an overview of the stages of policy process including policy formulation, rulemaking, and implementation. Policy analysis will be defined and a distinction made with policy research. The course also focuses on the criteria for evaluating policy options including efficiency, equity, security, and liberty. Ethics and the role of values in shaping analysis will be explored. Actual policy analysis is evaluated in the areas of children and family policy, health, and welfare policy. Students have the opportunity to write and present a policy analysis critique. Instructors: Mr. Altman and Mr. Doonan
HS 534b Assets and Social Policy
The class conducts a thorough and rigorous examination of the central features, assumptions, and implications of asset-based policy, focusing on four central aspects of asset-based policy. Explore the analytic features of an asset perspective and determines whether such policies could make a significant difference. Reviews evidence regarding the impact of asset-based policies from demonstration projects just now becoming available. Also examines in detail the implications for social policy. Instructor: Mr. Boguslaw
HS 543b Measurement of Inequalities
For Ph.D. students only.
Students will (1) develop a theoretical understanding of the causes of inequalities across different levels of social organization, such as households, communities, and nations; (2) review the evidence of how economic inequalities affect classic indicators of quality of life, such as health, empowerment, life-expectancy, and psychological well being, and; (3) develop a simple, practical method to define and measure inequalities and quality of life that can be applied across cultures and scales. The best recent theoretical and empirical literature on inequality and quality of life and on practical exercises is drawn upon. Some of the class time is spent conducting practical exercises on how to measure quality of life along multiple dimensions and how to integrate the different measures into a simple, comprehensible index with intuitive appeal. Practical exercises with statistical software to estimate various forms of inequalities in populations is also used. Instructor: Mr. Godoy
- Return to Top
Health Policy
HS330b, Child-Related Policies in the United States: Please see full description listed under Children, Youth, and Family Policy.
HS505f, Quality and Performance Measurement in Healthcare
Meets for one-half semester and yields half course creditQuality measurement in health care, broadly defined, has a long history, extending over more than the past century. This course is intended to provide a conceptual framework for understanding the field, interpreting contemporary research and policy issues relating to quality, and building broad analytic skills. By the end of the module, students should have an understanding of the centrality of quality of care issues in contemporary health services research, health care policy, and management of healthcare organizations. Instructor: Ms. Garnick
HS 507f State Health Policy
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit. Prerequisite: HS 513a or permission of instructor.
Examines the role of the states in the U.S. health care system. Provides an overview of state activities in health, including state responsibilities for managing health programs and institutions. Models to understand the nature of policy-making and politics in states are presented and discussed. Examines major state health programs such as Medicaid. Outlines and explores the policy and legislative processes. State efforts to reform their healthcare systems are discussed with special attention to implementation issues, barriers, limits of state action, and prospects for the future of state health reform. Instructor: Mr. Doonan
HS 508f Managed Care
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit. Prerequisite: HS 513Aa or permission of instructor.
Provides an overview of the evolution and taxonomies of managed care, and describes some of its most significant organizational and operational characteristics. Specific areas of focus include its role in Medicaid and Medicare, as well as special strategies such as those adopted for behavioral health care. Draws upon health policy and management literature to inform a discussion about future directions for managed care. Instructor: Ms. Bhalotra
HS 510a Methods in Behavioral Health Services Research
Aims at students (1) becoming familiar with the quantitative methods used for health services research in the fields of mental health and substance abuse by reading key papers and discussing them; (2) becoming knowledgeable about the important research studies in mental health and substance abuse; (3) becoming an informed, critical consumer of research and, therefore, a better producer; and (4) becoming able to design a study and write a proposal for external funding. Instructor: Mr. Hodgkin
HS 513a Issues in National Health Policy
An overview of the U.S. health care system is followed by a critical analysis of the major issues and trends in the health care field. Concentrates on the activities of federal and state governments and the private sector. Also explores likely future issues affecting our health system. Of special concern is the issue of the large number of Americans with no or inadequate health insurance. A related problem is the rising cost of medical care, which results in increases in the number of uninsured. Instructors: Mr. Altman and Mr. Wallack
HS 518a Management of Health Care Organizations
Introduces students to the concepts, theories, and practical problems of managing people in health care organizations. Case material is drawn from hospital, HMO, group practice, public health agency, and for-profit company settings. Students gain a better understanding of the range of strategic and operational problems faced by managers, some of the analytic tools to diagnose problems, and the role of leadership (and management) in improving performance. Instructor: Mr. Chilingerian
HS 519a Health Economics
Prerequisite: An introductory microeconomics course.
Economic models of demand, production, and markets for goods and services can be used to analyze the key resource allocation questions in health care. Applies economic models to questions of demand concerning the utilization and distribution of health care and to questions of supply, encompassing issues of cost, efficiency, and accessibility of care. The incentives and behavior of consumers and producers of health care are considered using these models. Instructor: Ms. Bishop
HS 520a Payment and Financing of Health Care
Examines current payment practices to health care providers, the problems with current methods, and possible modifications. Focuses only upon hospital care, physician services, and managed care. Covers the different ways that managed care organizations are structured. The payment and performance of managed care organizations and how performance is related to organizational strategies is included. Instructor: Mr. Wallack
HS 521a Political and Organizational Analysis in Health Policy
Focuses on refining the analytical skills useful to students for understanding the political and organizational factors influencing health care and health care policy. The readings and issues discussed are not a survey of current issues in health politics. Most readings were selected because they represent an innovative, interesting, or challenging piece of analysis. The goal of each class shall be to identify and critique the core arguments of the work, the conceptual categories and assumptions on which it is based, and the data presented in its support. Instructor: Mr. Prottas
HS 523a Economics of Aging and Disability
Provides students with background and tools to carry out economic analysis of individual and public decision-making with respect to life-cycle risks of disability and retirement, including long-term care services that compensate for functional disability. Students will compare and contrast issues and analysis for two groups: elders and working-aged persons with disabilities. Instructor: Ms. Bishop
HS 524a Long-Term Care: A Policy Perspective
One of the most important health policy issues facing the nation is how to finance and provide long-term care for persons with chronic illness and disabilities. Uses historical and political economy frameworks to analyze the origins of current long-term care policies and programs. Topics covered include homecare, institutional care, concepts of need, informal care, choice and autonomy, acute care connections, integration, private approaches, international comparisons, and reform options. Primary focus will be on the aged, but other populations with disabilities will be considered. Generally offered every second year. Instructor: Mr. Leutz
HS 525a Aging Issues and Policies
Provides students with a base of knowledge about the policy arena and the politics of aging, and an opportunity to explore selected policy issues in some depth. Focuses on a few areas that provide fertile ground for policy development and/or analysis, and has three components: (1) lectures covering background information; (2) discussions critically evaluating readings; and (3) student presentations. Projects and papers provide students opportunities to examine issues surrounding the design and implementation of particular policies, develop curriculum for particular topics, or undertake critiques of policies already in place. Instructor: Ms. Mutschler
HS 570a Mental Health Policy and Management
Enables students to analyze major policy initiatives and trends, to apply their understanding to systemic problems and dilemmas facing the field, and to strengthen their ability to raise cogent questions for research in mental health. Explores the formulation of federal and state mental health policy and deals with such critical areas as managed care, children's mental health, legal issues, minorities, consumer impact, and other matters affecting the quality and distribution of services. Instructor: TBA
HS 572a Economics of Behavioral Health
Applies economic analysis to policy and research issues in th emental health and substance abuse sectors, including cost-effectiveness, managed care, benefit design, and adverse selection. Studies the impact of different approaches to financing treatment and paying providers in the public and private sectors. Instructor: Mr. Hodgkin
- Return to Top
Substance Abuse Policy
HS 412b Substance Use and Societal Consequences
Provides an overview of the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Examines the consequences of abuse from a societal perspective and reviews types of policy approaches to dealing with the problems associated with substance abuse. Specific topics include an overview of biological and clinical aspects, theories of addictive behavior, epidemiology, medical and economic consequences, prevention and education, and policy approaches including taxation and regulation. Instructor: Ms. Horgan
HS 586a Issues in Substance Abuse Treatment
Provides an overview of issues related to clinical prevention and treatment services for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse. Examines the organization, delivery, and financing of abuse services. Specific topics include the structure of the treatment system, access to service, the process of treatment, and the effectiveness, cost, cost-effectiveness, and quality of treatment. Examines the impact of managed care on the way services are organized and delivered and on clinical outcome. Instructor: Ms. Horgan
- Return to Top
Child, Youth, and Family Policy
HS 317b The Social Policy and Management Context for Children, Youth, and Families
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the social policies and programs in the United States that affect the well-being of children, youth and families. It covers the characteristics of American’s children, youth and families, the social and economic conditions they experience, conditions that foster healthy development, and policies and programs designed to ameliorate problems. Policies in other industrialized nations are briefly examined to provide insights into the approaches used in this country. Instructors: Ms. Curnan and Ms. Klerman
HS 330b Child-Related Policies in the United States
Provides students with information about the health problems that children face from birth to early adulthood and the policies that have been developed to prevent or ameliorate those problems in the United States. Particular attention is paid to the development of federal policies, the agencies that implement them, and the legislation under which they operate. Explores the role of local health initiatives and of the private sector, including providers, advocacy groups, and other not-for-profit organizations. Instructor: Ms. Klerman
HS 373a Children and Families of Color
Using frameworks from cultural and ecological perspectives and psychological and sociological disciplines, examines the adaptations and well-being of four selected groups: African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American. Provides a broad overview of the adjustment of children and families of color and examines processes that affect their adjustment, especially those that relate to racial and cultural issues and social and demographic factors. Explores current events, social policies, and their implications for ethnic minority groups. Class activities examine conceptual and methodological issues in research on ethnic groups and study their implications for theory, practice, and policy. Instructor: Ms. Nguyen
HS 511b Contemporary Issues in the Management of Child, Youth, and Family Services
Managing human service systems and programs to benefit children, youth, and families in America today means managing people in a time of fiscal constraint; dramatic social, economic, and political change; and on the other hand, in a time of great organizational and civic innovation. Builds on the analytic tools students have begun to hone in the master's program and helps them learn how to apply these tools to effectively implement policies and programs in the not-for-profit sector. Instructor: Ms. Curnan
HS 541b Knowledge, Politics, and Children
Engages students in a critical examination of the relationship between knowledge and advocacy, and the influence of both on the development of early childhood policy in the United States. Readings are drawn from academic and popular sources, including theoretical work, empirical studies, journalistic writings, and novels. Classroom discussion focuses on the analysis of "different ways of knowing" and different rules of evidence with respect to the resources, needs, and life circumstances of young children and their families. Selected child policy issues are examined from state-level and federal perspectives. Instructor: Mr. Shonkoff
HS 544a Vulnerable Youth: Policy and Programmatic Responses
Examines the status of and our response to the problems of vulnerable youth who are at risk of not becoming self-sufficient as young adults. Examines topical issues from a variety of perspectives, borrowing from recent literature on school and community education programs, second-chance job training programs, teen parenting programs, programs for other special groups (e.g., offenders, foster care youth, gangs) comprehensive community change initiatives/community development, and anti-poverty initiatives. Instructor: Mr. Hahn
HS 552a Policy Issues in Disability Studies
Focuses on the major policy changes during the past two decades involving educational, social, residential, and therapeutic services for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. In addition to investigating these changes based on reviews of court decisions, legislation, and historical accounts, selected topics will be analyzed in detail utilizing research reports. Students will become familiar with the current research literature on these topics and will be able to critically evaluate research findings and methods in the fields. Instructor: TBA
- Return to Top
Statistics and Research Methods
HS 401b Research Methods
Prerequisite: Completion of, or current enrollment in, a graduate-level statistics course.
Provides a basic foundation in social science research methods. Focuses on skills needed to understand and initiate policy-oriented social research. Theoeretical, as well as practical, issues involved in the interpretation and conduct of social research are considered. The perspective is multidisciplinary and emphasizes investigations of substantive health, education, and social welfare problems. Students have the opportunity to review and redesign research in their own area of interest. Instructor: Mr. Tompkins
HS 403b Qualitative Research
Open to Ph.D. students only.
Acquaints students with the theory and practice of qualitative research. Provides basic experience in pure observation, participant observation, keeping memos and field notes, in-depth interviewing, interpretation, and presentation of findings. Readings and discussion focus on philosophical, historical, and theoretical foundations of qualitative methods and their practical relevance for social policy. Students will also become familiar with key aspects of qualitative research and will grapple with issues related to reliability and validity, as well as political and ethical dimensions of qualitative research. Instructor: Ms. Kammerer
HS 404b Applied Regression Analysis
An applied course in multiple regression analysis. Emphasis placed on the assumptions underlying the regression model, how to test for violations, and corrections that can be made when violations are found. Instructor: Mr. Fournier
HS 405a Applied Econometrics
Prerequisite: HS 404b. Limited to students in The Heller Ph.D. program.
Focuses on applications of regression analysis and extensions to areas where the standard assumptions do not hold. Introduces applications of logit and its extensions, probit, corrections for censoring and sample selection bias, and simultaneous equations. Each student designs and carries out a research project. Instructor: Mr. Friedman
HS 407b Survey Research Methods
Prerequisite: HS 404b or equivalent.
Focuses on processes and techniques of survey research methods. Special attention is devoted to different modes of questionnaire design, development, and administration. Implementation issues considered include interviewing strategies and other data collection procedures, field supervision, code book development, and documentation data management. Data analysis issues include scale and index construction, reliability and validity assessments, and general analysis strategies. Instructor: Mr. Saxe
HS 408a Evaluation Research
Prerequisite: Completion of a graduate-level research methods course.
Provides participants with an understanding of the basic concepts of evaluation research and their application to a diverse set of social policy problems. Emphasizes methodological issues and their application to social interventions and the delivery of human service programs. Examplars of the application of evaluation research strategies are drawn from specific social intervention problems in social services, mental health, education, criminal justice, and healthcare. Students also have a chance to design their own evaluation study. Instructor: Mr. Saxe
HS 409a Advanced Econometrics
Prerequisites: HS 404b and HS 405a.
Builds on the Econometrics course to further develop students' skills in using multivariate statistical techniques, particularly for time-series and longitudinal data. Based on examples from human-service and health care research. Students read/critique papers using each technique studies, and learn to apply it in computer lab. Instructor: Mr. Hodgkin
HS 410a Applied Research Seminar: Quantitative
Prerequisite: HS 405a or permission of instructor
Designed to provide students with a series of formal exercises simulating the major steps in the dissertation process. Students gain competency in manipulating data from a large, complex data set; summarizing the methodology of and findings from previous studies; and synthesizing and communicating the results of data analysis--placing study objectives and results in the context of prior research. Instructor: Mr. Ritter
HS 411b Applied Research Seminar: Qualitative
Prerequisite: HS 403b or permission of instructor.
Provides students with hands-on experience in qualitative research, with an emphasis on data analysis and presentation. A series of exercises reviews the process of research from design through presentation of findings. Using a large qualitative data set, class members explore data collection, preparation, and analysis strategies. Readings and discussion link qualitative analysis to crucial research design and validity issues. Each student completes a data analysis project and presents work in progress. Instructor: Ms. Kammerer
HS 414f Ethical Issues in Social Science Research
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Provides students an opportunity to explore the ethical dimensions of social-science research. Ethical considerations are an integral part of social sciences research because such research often involves the use of human participants from vulnerable populations. While social science researchers are expected to have an understanding of the ethical issues associated with their discipline, few have the opportunity to develop this knowledge. In this course students examine different topics associated with research design, data collection, data interpretation, and publication of study findings. Instructor: Mr. Saxe
HS 415f Introduction to Statistical Programming Using SAS
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Introduces students to SAS programming in a Windows operating system. Covers two specific areas: (1) how to operate within the SAS interactive environment and (2) how to use the SAS programming language to build usable datasets and perform analyses. Instructor: Mr. Ritter
HS 422f Cost-Effectiveness
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Addresses the application of the technique of cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate health and other types of programs in the United States and in developing countries. Presents the theoretical foundations and applications of cost-effectiveness analysis. Uses interactive discussions and computer exercises where students learn to perform cost-effectiveness analyses and apply the technique to a problem of their choice. Instructor: Mr. Shepard
HS 423f Policy Analysis
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Provides an overview of approaches and tools to policy analysis and an assessment of their strengths and limitations. Begins with a brief overview of the stages of policy process including policy formulation, rulemaking, and implementation. Includes a survey of policy analysis quantitative techniques. Considerable attention is spent probing imbedded assumptions in each model. Focuses on the impact of values on policy analysis and the goals of efficiency, equity, security, and liberty. The ethics and role of the policy analyst is discussed, and students have the opportunity to write and present a policy analysis critique. Instructor: Mr. Doonan
HS 425f Case Study Metholologies
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Provides students with the preliminary tools to conduct and critique case studies. Begins with an examination of the appropriateness, strengths, and weaknesses of this method. Threats to internal and external validity are examined along with techniques to properly collect and document data from multiple sources. Techniques are reviewed for case selection, data analysis, and study presentation. The final class is spent critiquing actual case studies. Instructor: Mr. Doonan
- Return to Top
Non-credit Dissertation Seminars
HS602c, Children, Youth, and Families Policy Dissertation Seminar
HS603c, Health Policy and Health Services Dissertation Seminar
HS604c, Assets and Social Policy Dissertation Seminar
HS605c, Substance Abuse Dissertation Seminar
- Return to Top
Management
HS 215b Corporate Finance
Prerequisites: HS 251a and HS 280a.
Introduces the modern theory of corporate finance and the institutional background of financial instruments and markets. Considers ways to measure value. Explores alternative forms of financing and ways to analyze them. Considers the financing tools appropriate for for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Instructor: Mr. Friedman
HS 225a Fundraising and Development
Examines the critical role of fundraising and development in successful nonprofit organizations. Students learn to analyze, plan, and evaluate a comprehensive fundraising program and to create elements of a professional fundraising portfolio. Explores management and leadership issues associated with the rapidly changing field of development and philanthropy. Instructor: Mr. Whalen
HS 241f - Information System Strategies
Introduces students to fundamental issues related to Management Information Systems (MIS). Managers need an understanding of all of their organizational functions along with ways to measure all aspects of business operations. For effective management, this ongoing flood of information flows needs to be ordered, monitored, evaluated, processed, and utilized in a number of ways. An effective MIS can provide both a framework and a set of tools to enable managers to accomplish each of these tasks, and to make proper strategic choices and informed decisions. A major part of our work will be to uncover what types of information we need and how best to measure and use this information effectively. Instructor: Mr. Fournier
HS 242f -Social Entrepreneurship
The field of social entrepreneurship is relatively new. It involves creating new ventures that pursue the dual missions of social benefit and financial return on investment. There are nonprofit, for-profit, and hybrid social enterprise ventures that have a social mission and aim to be financially self-sufficient or are profit-driven. The field is innovative in management approaches to social problems. It is also focused on social issues amenable to these approaches. The field is more involved in social investment than in charitable giving, looking for practical ways to get sustainable social change. Since social enterprises generally start small, basic issues are planning for their social impact, scale, replication, and sustainability. The aims of this course are to introduce the concepts and challenges of social entrepreneurship while also providing students with the tools to be effective social entrepreneurs. Instructor: Ms. Carlson
HS 244f Nonprofit Law, Governance, and Structure
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Covers the legal structures under which non-profit organizations are organized and the responsibilities implied by those structures. Students learn the roles and responsibilities of non-profit boards of directors, ingredients for improving the effectiveness of boards, and skills for managing the board-staff relationship. Instructor: Ms. Babcock
HS 245f Economics
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Begins with the analysis of markets, and introduces the concept of market failure. Considers the theory of the firm, modifications necessary for mission-driven organizations, and special economic issues that arise for mission-driven organizations. Instructor: Mr. Friedman
HS 246f Statistics
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Presents students with an introduction to the fundamentals of parametric statistics. Covers the essentials required for students to understand issues related to measurement and how to generate descriptive information and statistical analyses from these measurements. Focuses primarily on understanding the importance of summary measures along with a study of fundamental statistical distributions. Instructor: Mr. Fournier
HS 247f, Evaluation for Managers
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Focuses on program evaluation techniques of interest to managers, including balanced scorecard methods, needs assessment, participatory evaluation methods, process/implementation analysis, impact analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and utilization-focused evaluation. These techniques are discussed in the context of building "learning organizations" that enable the organization and its managers to know if they are succeeding. Instructor: Mr. Hahn
HS 248b Financial Management
Prerequisite: HS 251a.
Develops students as educated consumers of financial information. Covers financial management problems encountered by today's human service professionals in a real-world perspective based on sound financial and accounting theory. Includes topics such as financial statement analysis, budget development and control, managing growth, cash flow management, and management controls. Instructor: Mr. McLaughlin
HS 249f Social Justice, Management, and Policy
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Allows students the opportunity to explore the management implications of "Knowledge Advancing Social Justice." Examines historical and contemporary thinkers, justice issues, and management activities. Students grapple with the daily management dilemmas faced by managers and change agents both inside and outside organizations. Instructors: Ms. Bhalotra and Ms. Curnan
HS 250a Financial Accounting
Develops a fundamental understanding of financial accounting and reporting issues as they apply to non-profit and for-profit organizations. Students will learn about the importance of fiscal responsibility and integrity in the efficient utilization of an organization's resources relative to organizational goals. Accounting practices that are unique to non-profit organizations will be introduced, discussed and differentiated from those practices employed by for-profit entities. Emphasis will be placed on interpreting financial statements to understand how accounting information, in a variety of settings, can be utilized by decision makers. Instructor: Ms. Anderson
HS 251f Managerial Accounting
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Provides general introduction to the concepts, problems, and issues related to managerial accounting. Managerial accounting predominantly addresses the internal use of economic information regarding the resources used in the process of producing goods and providing services. Fundamental aspects of cost behavior and cost accounting will be discussed, but always from the perspective of the manager who must make decisions rather than the accountant who prepares the information. Instructor: Ms. Anderson
HS 252b Strategic Management
Teaches students the theoretical constructs and practical tools necessary to create and manage organizations strategically. Includes strategic process, organizational design, and development of planning tools and cycles. All students perform an applied strategic analysis for an actual organization. Instructor: Ms. Babcock
HS 253b Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Focuses on leadership and managing organizations. Uses cases on a variety of organizations to expose students to problems and to improve their effectiveness in analyzing, diagnosing, and leading people in organizations. Students learn organizational concepts, analytic frameworks, models, and practice their leadership skills in class. Uses case discussions, simulations, role-playing, mini-lecturing, and experimental exercises. Provides an opportunity to develop leadership skills through group work and reflection. Instructor: Mr. Chilingerian
HS 254a Human Resource Management
Considers how the management of human resources can helo in achieving organizational excellence. Focuses on the development of concepts and strategies that can increase your effectiveness in developing policies and practices to enhance the value of people in the organizations you serve. These policies and practices include job design, hiring, training, performance measurement, promotion, compensation and benefits, retention, discipline and firing, and policies regarding job security and work/family accommodation. Instructor: Ms. Gittell
HS 255a Management Information Systems
Explores the role that information plays in achieving organizational objectives, and how information systems can effectively manage the flow of information. Focuses attention on assessing the informational needs of organizations and their members and on developing information systems for meeting those needs. Instructor: Mr. Fournier
HS 256f, Community Building for Managers
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Focuses on the different meanings of the term "community building," some historical themes, and how a term originally focused mostly on neighborhood revival is now used in many other contexts including building stronger ties among people in the workplace. With community building jargon increasingly entering into management and public policy literature, managers must understand the parameters of this "movement" and acquaint themselves with some of the skills and developments that people doing this work have found useful. We review this context and focus on the specific skills of community building. Instructor: Mr. Hahn
HS 257f Conflict Resolution by Negotiation
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Develops in students an understanding of the nature, advantages, and limitations of negotiations as a conflict resolution tool. Provides a normative and practical framework for pursuing a negotiation strategy as a method of resolving disputes. Provides students with opportunities to apply this knowledge in a variety of simulated negotiation contexts. Finally, exposes students to feedback regarding their negotiation approaches via explicit instructor evaluation and via the impact of their actions on their teammates and opponents. Instructor: Mr. Prottas
HS 258a Operations Management for Service Organizations
Explores how organizations deliver high-quality services while using resources efficiently. Students develop skills including quality assessment, process mapping, improving work processes through IT, productivity analysis, wait time analysis, customization versus standardization of work processes, project management, and scheduling. Instructor: Ms. Gittell
HS 285a Marketing
An overview of marketing with a focus on how to formulate marketing strategies and identify and evaluate strategic-based tactics in order to achieve organizational marketing goals. Topics include strategic market planning, market research and analysis; consumer behavior; market segmentation, targeting, and positioning; social marketing; and the marketing mix--product, price, distribution, promotion, and marketing communications. Instructor: TBA
HS 290a Economic Analysis for Managers
Introduces economic approaches to managerial and policy decision-making. Covers supply and demand, market structures, pricing and market failure, as well as useful tools such as optimization and game theory. Concepts are reinforced with case analyses and examples from the health and human services sectors. Some calculus required. Instructor: Mr. Hodgkin
HS 295b M.B.A. Capstone
Prerequisite: Completion of all required management courses in the M.B.A. (human services) program.
Integrates all aspects of the M.B.A. (human services) curriculum. Aspects of management covered in this course span strategy and operations. Topics covered include general management, leadership, organizational design, marketing, communications, corporate responsibility, human resource management, business policy, management of technology and innovations, ethical and legal issues in management, quality and risk management, and management of diversity in the workplace. The course uses a comprehensive case study approach, combined with theoretical readings. Explores relationships between the context, content, and process of managing organizations, and illustrates the complexities created by overlapping interests and by differences in perceptions, values, and goals. Instructor: Ms. Curnan
HS 299b Team Consulting Project
A capstone educational experience for students nearing the end of the M.B.A. (human services) program. Working under the supervision of a faculty advisor, teams of three or four M.B.A. and Heller/Hornstein students provide management consulting services to nonprofit, community-based health and human services agencies. Instructors: TBA
HS 312a Managing Organizations Serving Elders and People with Disabilities
Prepares students for management positions in government or private organizations supporting older people and/or people with physical disabilities, mental illness, and developmental disabilities. Emphasizes issues that cut across these different populations. Provides opportunities for students to focus on one population of interest through assignments, and special projects. Instructor: TBA
HS511b, Contemporary Issues in the Management of Child, Youth, and Family Services: Please see full description listed under Child, Youth and Family Policy.
HS518a, Health Care Management: Please see full description listed under Health Policy.
HS526a Organizational Theory
This course introduces students to organization theory and behavior from a policy and management perspective. The literature of organization theory addresses itself to the questions about the external environment organizations operate with and the strategies and processes adopted by organizations. Instructors: Mr. Chilingerian, Ms. Hoffer Gittell, Mr. Prottas
- Return to Top
Sustainable International Development
HS 259f Topics in Sustainable Development
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following: Mississippi Delta; introduction to international organizations; household economics; masculinity and gender; HIV/AIDS as a public policy issue; gender and globalization; and theories of social change. Instructor: TBA
HS 261b Rights-Based Approaches to Development
This full-semester course is designed to provide students with a solid understanding of the international laws and systems that define and protect individual rights, from political freedoms to economic and social rights governing access to nutrition, health services and housing. The course focuses in particular on the implications of the human rights standards for processes and outcomes in development and anti-poverty work. Instructor: Ms. Green
HS 262f Culture, Power, and Development
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Students engage with constructs of cultural superiority, debate about modernization, and learn about what motivates individual and cultural change. Students are introduced to alternative theoretical approaches to culture and development and learn how to apply those theories to different historic contexts as well as contemporary situations. Instructor: Ms. Ready
HS 263f Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit. Prerequisite: HS297F or permission of the instructor.
Builds on the introductory GIS course, further enabling students to develop technical skills in the use of ARCView GIS software; qualitative skills in data gathering, analysis, and presentation; and potential of GIS as a tool for planning and evaluating development projects. Each student, or group, will complete a GIS data analysis project and will present work in progress. Instructor: Mr. Lakshmikanthan
HS 264b Natural Resource Management and Coexistence
Focuses on the historical and political backdrop to conflict over resources and on generalizations derived about these conflicts. The class examines several case histories on basic principles of cooperation in the management of natural resources. Identifies potential areas of future cooperation that could lead to coexistence of ethnic or economic groups within a country, between neighboring countries using the same resources, or of larger regions where group members may have different requirements. Instructor: Mr. Klein
HS 264f Principles of Ecology for Development Planners
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Introduces ecological principles that influence the sustainability of national and local development programs throughout the world. Instructor: Mr. Olson
HS 265f Ecology & Development : Science and Policy
Prerequisite: HS 264f. Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Deepens the understanding of ecology through the exploration of case studies of development programs. Instructor: Mr. Klein
HS 266f Economic Concepts for Development Practitioners
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Covers basic principles of microeconomics, focusing on the supply and demand framework with applications and examples to developing countries. Instructor: Mr. Suaya
HS 268f Principles of Law and Development
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Through a primer on law and legal institutions, examines the use of the legal order to solve problems of poverty, vulnerability, and environmental degradation in developing nations. Instructor: Ms. A. Seidman
HS 269f Food Security and Nutrition
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Explores how international and national agencies define and measure food security and nutritional status and set goals for strategic interventions. Instructor: Mr. Lockwood
HS 270f - Seminar in Health and Human Rights
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
A seminar, with a focus on reading, discussion, and student research rather than on lectures. What are the implications of a "rights-based approach" to health for policy makers, medical professionals, health-related industries, and patients? What roles do civil and political rights like participation, freedom of speech, and non-discrimination as well as the notion of a right to health itself, play in health policy-making and policy implementation? Each student is expected to draft and present a substantial seminar paper. Usually offered every semester. Instructor: Prof. Green
HS 271a Framework for Development
Provides a conceptual umbrella to all the coursework in the SID program. Introduces students to the major currents of thinking about development and sustainability. Topics include poverty, inequality, globalization, human rights, gender, the environment, and the role of institutions. Students examine what is known about the drivers of development as well as the links among global and national policies, and actions for sustainable development. The course includes a practical group exercise where students identify and propose solutions to a critical development problem. Instructors: Mr. Godoy, Ms. Green, Ms. Holcombe
HS 272f Creating Microfinance Institutions and Partnerships
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Covers building and staffing large-scale, cost-effective microfinance institutions and explores strategies for partnerships with local NGOs and village level organizations to expand outreach. Instructor: Mr. Ashe
HS274a, Directed Readings in Sustainable Development
HS274f, Directed Readings in Sustainable Development
HS275a, Directed Research in Sustainable Development
HS275f, Directed Research in Sustainable Development
HS 276f World Health
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
A primer on major diseases and problems of health care in developing nations. Topics include descriptions of disease incidence and prevalence, including infectious, chronic, and mental disease; determinants of health, including culture and behavior; the role of nutrition, education, and reproductive trends and poverty; demographic transitions, including aging and urbanization; the structure and financing of health systems; and the globalization of health. Instructor: Ms. Bhalotra
HS 277f Planning and Implementation: A Primer
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Studies analytical methods utilized in development planning. The issues and methods of project implementation are taught. Drawing on case studies the class examines the complex interactions between beneficiary communities, social mobilization, training, marketing strategies, and other factors that affect achievements. Instructor: Ms. Howard, Mr. Simon, Mr. Freundlich
HS 278f Monitoring and Evaluation
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Explores issues and methods of development project monitoring and evaluation, including economic, social, and environmental issues, and how these functions are critical to project management. Instructor: Ms. Snell
HS 279a Planning and Implementation: Concepts and Methods
For students who wish to study in more depth analytical methods utilized in development planning. Issues and methods of project implementation are discussed, and drawing on case studies, the course examines the complex interactions between beneficiary communities, social mobilization and leadership, participation and training, and other factors that affect accountability and achievement. Instructor: Mr. Simon, Ms. Howard
HS 280f Micro-Enterprise Development and Finance
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Covers a broad range of operational issues related to the design, implementation, and evaluation of microfinance initiatives reflecting a range of methodologies and approaches. Instructor: Mr. Ashe
HS 281f The Learning Organization: Research and Advocacy
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Introduces concepts and methods for using organizational program experience to strengthen internal management, program planning, and public policy. Examines the experience of noted NGOs. Instructor: Mr. Arena-DeRosa
HS 282f Environmental Impact Assessment
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
A primer on the basic concepts and methods of formal environmental impact assessments and adaptations for community-led small projects. Instructor: Mr. Olson, Mr. Boyer
HS 283f Gender and Development
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Gender, as a social construct, is explored in diverse cultures and societies. Examines gender's major influence on the development process. Instructor: Ms. Ready, Ms. McSweeney
HS 284f Gender Analysis in Development Planning
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Examines recent concepts and methods for gender analysis as an integral factor in program planning across cultures. Instructor: Mr. M. Obote Joshua
HS 285f Right-Based Approach to Development
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Provides a broad introduction to international human rights laws, mechanisms, and practices, including special protections for vulnerable groups and the key debates underpinning the rights-based approach to development and poverty. Also covers the international and regional institutions that exist to protect human rights. Instructor: Ms. Green
HS 286f Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
The phenomenal growth in non-governmental organizations throughout the world in the past two decades has transformed the delivery of development assistance and relationships between the north and south. Examines the nature of civil society, types of and relationships among NGOs, and NGO relationships with the state, multilateral and bilateral organizations, and community organizations. Instructor: Mr. Short or Mr. Simon
HS 287f Land Reform: Models and Experience
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Examines the evolution of land reform theory and practice around the world, including the current model encouraged by the World Bank. Instructor: Mr. Simon
HS 288f Sustainable Energy: Technology and Economics
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
On global and community levels energy remains a constraint to development and often has negative environmental impacts. Technologies for cheap and renewable energies are opening up new possibilities for poor communities. Explores several of those technologies and their economies. Instructor: Mr. Kamal
HS 289f The Demographics of Development
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
A primer on demographic variables, including fertility, mortality, and migration, and their influence on economic growth, poverty, and the environment. Instructor: Ms. Holcombe
HS 291f Development in Conflict Situations
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Enhances skills in humanitarian work in conflict situations by looking at concrete practices and reflecting on fundamental issues involved. Gives a broad look at different aspects of work in conflict situations. The theory of the course is rooted in the analysis that there is not a relief-development continuum but rather different processes that go back and forth between each other. Aims to give students an overall framework for looking at humanitarian work in conflict situations by giving an overview of the issues and debates in development theory. Instructor: Ms. Thompson, Ms. Quintilliani
HS 292f Geographic Information Systems for Development Planners
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit. Prerequisite: HS297F or permission of instructor.
Meets the growing demand for GIS in international development planning and provides students with hands-on experience in implementing a GIS, with emphasis on data analysis and presentation. Prepares students for extensive use of GIS in their second-year master's project. The planning process presented in the seminar teaches students how to develop a planning proposal. The seminar also focuses on how to determine an organization's GIS requirements, focus on those requirements during the planning process, and use the requirements to assess the size and scope of the system needed. Each student will complete a GIS data analysis project and will present work in progress. Instructor: Mr. Lakshmikanthan
HS 293f Religion and Development
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Explores the connections between religion and development from theoretical, activist (engaged religious), and practitioner (faith-based NGO) perspectives. Considers (1) basic social-science perspectives on the connections of religious cosmology, beliefs, and practices to social and cultural identity, solidarity, and ideas about human dignity, social inequalities, and the desirability or inevitability of social change and (2) notions of religious obligations and the role of religion as a motivating force or barrier to social transformation and sustainable development. This module seeks to build a positive understanding of the potential contributions of religious forces, with attention to peace-building and economic-development activities. Instructor: E. Messer
HS 294f Regional/Country Development Studies
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit. Instructor:Staff
HS 295f Natural Resource Development Planning
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Investigates major issues of natural resource management affecting the sustainability of development. Instructor: Mr. Godoy
HS 297f Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Development Planners
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
A primer for non-specialists on GIS and its capabilities as a tool for planning and monitoring. The seminar also focuses on how to determine an organization’s GIS requirements, focus on those requirements during the planning process, and use the requriements to assess the size and scope of the system needed. Includes a computer lab. Instructor: Mr. Lakshmikanthan
HS 298f Development Management
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Examines contextual factors that influence the implementation of development, as well as the management skills necessary to implementing sustainable development programs. Instructor: Mr. Short
HS 299f NGOs: Structure and Governance
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Run as an NGO management workshop responding to issues and problems identified by students. Issues typically include mission statements, structure, governance, participation, and funding. Instructor: Mr. Short, Ms. Roper
HS 300f Integrated Conservation and Development
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Conservation biologists and economic development planners have often had conflicting priorities and means. The class reviews methods of achieving biodiversity conservation and community development through an integrated approach. Instructor: Ms. Howard
HS 302f Theories of Development
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Focuses on the alternative available theories proposed in industrial and developing worlds as potential guides for explaining and finding solutions to development problems. Instructor: Ms. Seidman
HS 303f Legislative Drafting
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Provides students with a sufficient background in legislative theory, methodology, and techniques to enable them to conceptualize how to translate policy into effectively implemented law and to assess bills purporting to resolve particular social problems. Instructor: Ms. Seidman
HS 304f Regional Development Studies
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Examines the experience of one group of countries at developing joint efforts at development trade, cross-boundary environmental management, and conflict resolution. Instructor: TBA
HS 305f Environmental Treaties
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Studies major goals and implementation mechanisms for selected international environmental conventions and protocols. Also provides students with a basic understanding of the scientific underpinnings for each treaty (for instance the nature of ozone depleting substances and their effect on the atmosphere). Instructor: TBA
HS 309f - International Law for Development Practitioners
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.An introduction to the basic principles of international law for non-lawyer professionals working in international development. Covers core terminology of international law that development practitioners are likely to encounter, explains how international agreements such as treaties are created and implemented, and examines how international disputes, on issues ranging from environmental laws to the use of force, are resolved. Also provides an overview, in an international law context, of the roles of international institutions such as the United Nations and the World Court and of private actors like corporations and NGOs. Instructor: Prof. Green
HS 312f - National and International Perspectives on Youth Policy and Programs
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Young people (ages 10 to 24 years) account for 29 percent of the population in low-income and middle-income countries. Vulnerability of youth in terms of literacy, employability, skills training, life skills and more is often growing in these countries. This course examines the subset of policies and programs that aim to connect young people to the economic and education mainstream. The course will review how we measure the extent of vulnerability among youth, what programs are in place to serve vulnerable young people, the effectiveness of programs from program evaluations, and policy choices. It will also provide information on organizing frameworks such as “positive youth development.” Instructor: Prof. Hahn
HS 350a Economics for Management and Social Policy
Introduces techniques of economic analysis, mainly from microeconomics. These tools are applied to problems of management and social policy. Uses case studies and frequent exercises to develop application and quantitative skills. Instructor: Mr. Godoy
HS422f, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: Please see a full description listed under Statistics and Research Methods.
HS 509a Policy and Program Evaluation in Development Settings
How do scholars evaluate whether various social, economic, and development policies are working and how do planners or managers know if their action programs are achieving the aims of the organization and the goals of the policies that gave rise to the programs? This course reviews methods, tools, and strategies to help NGO managers and others assess measurable impacts of implementation of policies and programs. The course teaches students how to assess policies and to evaluate programs--what evaluation is, how to do it, the major types of evaluation, and most importantly, how to use evaluation to become a “learning organization” that contributes in a meaningful way to the reduction in persistent poverty conditions. Instructor: Mr. Hahn
- Return to Top
International Health Policy and Management
HS 229f Health Financing in Developing Countries
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
Examines the mobilization of resources for the health system as a whole, and the funding of individual providers for health services in developing countries. Provides the tools for examining broad reforms as well as refinements of individual components of the health care system. Instructor: Mr. Shepard
HS 233a Managing Policy and Practice Change in Health Services
Begins with definitions of policy and how policy is made, from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Examines several frameworks for analyzing policy implementation and for planning implementation strategies. Several sessions will focus on the management skills and tools useful to planning and managing the implementation of policy change. Students will have the opportunity to bring conceptual knowledge and skills together in analysis of several case studies. Instructor: Ms. Holcombe
HS 234f National Health Accounts: Applications to Low and Middle Income Countries
Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
National Health Accounts (NHA) is a globally accepted framework and approach for measuring total national health expenditure. Provides an overview of the concepts and methodology of NHA. Students will understand the international classification systems used to categorize health expenditures, be able to construct NHA tables, and understand the uses to which NHA data can be put. Instructor: Mr. Gary Gaumer
HS 236a International Health System
Studies how global movements in dealing with health have shaped health systems, the emerging challenges developing countries are facing, and how these might affect health systems. Students will study the link between health and development, how health systems are organized, how health care is financed, the role pf public and private sectors in providing health care, regulation, and consumer behavior. Instructor: Mr. Gary Gaumer
HS 239b - International Health Economics
Aims at providing a rigorous economic framework that addresses positive and normative issues in the economics of health in developing countries. Topics covered include: the relationship between health outcomes and macro-economic performance; micro-economics of health care and insurance markets, including demand for health care services, insurance, supply of physician services, and other medical services; normative analysis for health policy and projects, including market failure and public intervention; and emerging issues in international health in low- and middle-income countries. Instructor: Mr. Gary Gaumer
- Return to Top
Educational Programs
The Heller School offers five degree programs designed explicitly to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Our Doctoral Program in Social Policy (Ph.D.) educates students for careers in research, teaching, social planning, administration, and policy analysis. Our M.B.A. (human services) program prepares leaders for management positions within nonprofit, for-profit, and public institutions pursuing social missions. Our Master of Arts Program in Sustainable International Development (M.A.) imparts the knowledge and skills necessary to design and manage local, regional, national, or international development, and our Master of Science in International Health Policy and Management (M.S.) trains young professionals to play increasingly responsible roles in the health and well-being of the world’s poorest children and families. Our Master of Public Policy (MPP) Program, starting in September 2007, will train students to become social policy experts needed to design social policies, to draft effective legislation, to understand how values shape policies, to study finance mechanisms, and to use social science techniques to evaluate the effectiveness, fairness, and impact of public policy.
All Heller students are committed to bettering human welfare, particularly for those who are vulnerable and who lack the capacity or resources to secure their own well being. Requests for information should be addressed to:
The Heller Admissions Office
The Heller School for Social Policy and Management
MS 035, Brandeis University
P.O. Box 549110
Waltham, MA 02454-9110
Telephone: 781-736-2770
Fax: 781-736-2774
Email: HellerAdmissions@brandeis.edu.
- Return to Top
Consortium Schools
Brandeis University is part of a consortium that includes Boston College, Boston University and Tufts University. In addition, The Heller School has cross-registration agreements with the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT. Master's students may cross-register for graduate-level courses at the Graduate School of Business at Bentley College.
- Return to Top
Course Enrollment and Registration
Heller students who want to enroll in a course in another institution within The Consortium need to cross-register through the Assistant Dean of Student Records and Enrollment, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Room 104. Telephone: 781-736-2753. Master's students may petition to take up to two courses outside Heller toward their degrees. Ph.D. students may take up to four courses.If you are a registered student in a consortium school other than Brandeis University and would like to take a course at The Heller School, please contact:
Ravi Lakshmikanthan
Assistant Dean for Student Records and Enrollment
MS 035
Brandeis University
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02454-9110
Email: kanthan@brandeis.edu
781.736.2753
- Return to Top
Tuition
The consortium schools have a tuition-sharing agreement so students who take courses within the consortium do not pay extra tuition.Consortium privileges are not in effect in the summer.
- Return to Top
See Welcome Letter from the Director
|
|
|
