K2SP 3940 - Fundamentals of Global Health

This course provides international master’s students with a comprehensive introduction to the field of global health, focusing on its foundational concepts, contemporary challenges, and the diverse actors shaping its landscape. Over twelve sessions, students will examine the intersections between health and politics, economics, science, and ethics, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in addressing global health problems. The curriculum covers topics ranging from global health frameworks and governance to ethical dilemmas, health innovation, and responses to real-world health crises. Through interactive case studies and group debates, students will gain hands-on experience in analyzing strategic approaches of international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. Led by Luis Pizarro, Executive Director at DNDi, the course integrates professional field insights to bridge academic theory with practical application, preparing students to critically engage with and contribute to global health initiatives.

None

All materials are accessible in Moodle.

A “typical class organization”:

Q&A about the last session (15mns)

Faculty presentation (30mns)

Concrete example and Q&A (15mns)

Break (10mns)

Faculty presentation (30mns)

Concrete example and Q&A (20mns)

Individual Examination (50%) The individual examination will take place at the end of the seminar in a two-hour session. Students will be provided with a short text related to a contemporary global health issue, which they must critically comment on. In addition, the exam will include two analytical questions that require students to apply course concepts to real-world scenarios and critically evaluate global health strategies. For example, questions may ask students to analyse the effectiveness of a health intervention in a specific context or discuss ethical dilemmas in global health governance. Responses will be assessed on the clarity of argumentation, depth of analysis, ability to synthesise evidence, and demonstration of understanding of key frameworks covered in the course.

Group Work (40%) At the start of the semester, each group will select a Global Health Actor (such as an international organisation, NGO, or pharmaceutical company) and conduct a strategic analysis, presented in PowerPoint format. Assessment of the presentation will be based on the depth and rigour of analysis, clarity of communication, effective teamwork, and use of evidence from relevant literature and case studies. During two designated case study sessions, groups will participate in a role-play debate, representing their chosen actor by defending strategies and responding to questions and challenges from peers. Performance in the debate will be evaluated on the group’s understanding of the actor’s position, ability to articulate and defend strategies, responsiveness to critique, and engagement in the discussion.

Participation (10%) Valuable participation is defined by consistent attendance, frequent and thoughtful contributions to class discussions, and active engagement with both peers and course materials. Students are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, ask relevant questions, share insights from readings, and contribute constructively to group activities.

In addition to group work, students are expected to review their notes and key concepts from previous sessions, with particular attention to areas highlighted during class discussions. Before each class, students should select at least one required reading from the list provided; optional readings are recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of the subject. This individual preparation should take between one and two hours per week.