Latin American Studies

This course uses an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to explore current Community and Public Health challenges, focusing on both global and local issues in the Dominican Republic. The curriculum is structured around a critical examination of Environmental and Social Determinants of Health (ESDOH), emphasizing the ways in which culture, governance, climate change, human mobility, equity, justice, and inclusion influence health outcomes across diverse communities. Students develop non-clinical research skills to identify community health gaps and develop evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and sustainable interventions. 

This course prepares students to engage ethically and effectively with underserved communities in the Dominican Republic, bridging theoretical understanding of the local health system with applied community engagement through collaborative health-focused community partnerships. Working alongside local organizations in different socioeconomic settings, students will apply public health theories and frameworks to collaboratively address community-identified health challenges. Students will co-design and implement interventions that foster health literacy, evaluate their impact through community-based assessments, and engage in critical reflection. Emphasis is placed on ethical and reciprocal engagement, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving skills to advance health equity and community empowerment. Students will have 30 classroom hours + 45 hours of community engagement.