UBCx: COVID-19 & Society: Inequality in Global Pandemics

by University of British Columbia

COVID-19: Health, Climate Change, and Social Justice

A course by the University of British Columbia

Course Description

Embark on an enlightening journey through the complex landscape of COVID-19 with this exceptional course offered by the University of British Columbia. This curated series of expert lectures brings together award-winning faculty members to explore the multifaceted impacts of the pandemic on health, climate change, and social justice. By applying a sociological lens to these intricate challenges, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how society was organized leading up to the pandemic and how it could be restructured for a more resilient future.

What Students Will Learn

Connect local COVID-19 experiences to global trends
Analyze the exacerbation of ageism and racism during the pandemic
Evaluate COVID-19's impact on existing health inequalities
Identify and understand the links between COVID-19 and climate change
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the pandemic's societal implications
Explore potential solutions and strategies for a collective, collaborative response

Prerequisites

This course is designed to be accessible to students from all academic backgrounds. There are no specific prerequisites or prior knowledge required to enroll and benefit from the lectures.

Course Coverage

Introduction to sociological perspectives on COVID-19
Health inequities and the opioid crisis in the context of the pandemic
Ageism and its effects during COVID-19
Racism and its intensification under pandemic conditions
The intersection of climate change and COVID-19
Frontline workers' experiences and pandemic policies
Strategies for addressing global issues through collective action

Who This Course Is For

Students from various academic disciplines seeking to broaden their understanding of COVID-19's societal impacts
Professionals working in healthcare, social services, or policy-making
Individuals interested in social justice, public health, and global issues
Anyone looking to gain a more nuanced perspective on the pandemic and its far-reaching consequences

Real-World Application of Skills

Inform decision-making in public health policy and social services
Enhance critical thinking skills for analyzing complex global issues
Develop strategies for addressing social inequalities in various professional contexts
Contribute to community-based initiatives aimed at pandemic recovery and resilience
Engage in more informed discussions about the long-term impacts of COVID-19
Apply interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving in various fields

Syllabus

The COVID-19 lecture series is curated by Dr. Katherine Lyon and consists of five pre-recorded lectures:

Lecture 1: COVID-19, Health (In)Equity, and the Opioid Crisis with Dr. Lindsey Richardson
Lecture 2: Aging, Aged, Ageism under COVID-19 with Dr. Anne Martin-Matthews
Lecture 3: Racism Under the Pandemic with Dr. Amanda Cheong
Lecture 4: Climate Change & COVID-19 with Dr. Santa Ono
Lecture 5: Frontline Workers & Pandemic Policies with Dr. Becki Ross

Each lecture is accompanied by a brief introduction and suggested literature for further reading, allowing students to explore topics at their own pace and delve deeper into areas of particular interest.

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