This seminar is for students interested in the intersection of global health and global governance, i.e. global health policy worldwide. We approacj the topic through case studies of various global health issues, and use these to identify concepts and theories of global health governance. As a starting point, we assume that the health of individuals but also of nations can be protected, promoted but also harmed by a highly interconnected globalized world. Case studies on topics such as infectious diseases (e.g. Ebola), neglected tropical diseases, access to medicines, global environmental change, global alcohol and tobacco control, global treaties banning biological weapons, and migration/displacement will be actively addressed by students. In doing so, we will ask ourselves questions such as: Who are the actors in the system, how do we see their influence, and what are the impacts on health? Which processes outside the health sector, such as trade agreements, agriculture, environmental agreements, patent law or similar, have an impact on global health? And which aspects need to be strengthened to protect a human right to health?
Part of the seminar will also focus on approaches of decolonization and asks us to imagine alternative structures for global health.
Course language is English and we will read English texts and watch English film excerpts, but you are always welcome to talk German in class.