Course Description

This course explores the economics of risky health behaviors and their policy implications, with a focus on issues such as substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs), crime, risky sexual behavior, and other health-related choices. Students will learn core microeconomic principles and apply them to real-world public health challenges. Designed for students in the Health and Society program, the course emphasizes the intersection of individual behavior, economic incentives, and public health policy.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Apply microeconomic principles to understand individual decision-making related to risky health behaviors.

2. Analyze the social and economic determinants of behaviors such as smoking, substance use, and risky sexual activity.

3. Evaluate public policies aimed at reducing risky behaviors, including taxes, regulations, and public health campaigns.

4. Interpret empirical evidence from economics and public health literature on the effectiveness of various interventions.

5. Discuss ethical and equity considerations in designing and implementing policies that influence health behaviors.

6. Connect economic theory to contemporary health issues, particularly those relevant to underserved or vulnerable populations.

Prerequisite(s)

HLT 201 (or SOA 101/111) and a solid understanding of basic algebraic concepts.