"Health Communication is an exciting and emerging field of interest and interdisciplinary study. The study and application of health communication addresses questions germane to interaction about human health. Public health campaigns, client-provider interactions, cultural constructions of health and illness, telemedicine, health journalism, environmental risk, and community-based health organizations are just a few of the topics considered under the rubric of 'Health Communication.'" (www.sla.purdue.edu/healthcomm)
One of the unique characteristics of the Bethany student body is the desire to serve. This desire makes health communication an exciting opportunity for our students. They will have an opportunity to grow in a field that uses the principles of communication to address health care issues in the United States.
As defined by Purdue University, some of the potential learning objectives to be met by the study of health communication include:
- Students could distinguish between facts and opinions.
- Students could recognize and explain unethical behavior.
- Students could advocate on behalf of others in health care contexts.
- Students could recognize and explain at least four dimensions of health.
- Students could differentiate between superficial expressions and heart-felt statements about one?s health.
- Students could analyze issues by weighing their pros and cons.
- Students could distinguish between an illness and a disease.
- Students could advocate on behalf of self in health care contexts.
- Students could recognize and evaluate the standard components of a health campaign.
- Students could explain key differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
- Students could distinguish between health communication and health education.
- Students could speak out against dehumanizing behavior.
- Students could critically evaluate the quality of published research.
- Students could recognize and explain the potential impacts of lifestyle practices upon a variety of health outcomes
- Students could explain why awareness of a health condition is a necessary but not sufficient condition to promote behavior change.
- Students could recognize and explain ethical behavior.
- Students could differentiate between assumptions and facts.
- Students could recognize and explain key communication barriers in general health contexts.
- Students could distinguish between sympathy and empathy in health contexts.
- Students could recognize the value of being an informed advocate in health care contexts.
- Students could critically evaluate the quality of current event articles based on biomedical research.
- Students could recognize and explain that health is best conceptualized along a continuum of wellness.
- Students could recognize and explain key communication barriers across acute and palliative care contexts.
- Students could understand and explain the role of social support in health care.
A minor in Health Communication requires the following courses:
Two of the following:
One of the following:
*Other courses may apply with prior written consent of program coordinator.
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