UNH Class Spotlight: Learning to Make Health Policy Change
What courses can I take in college? What are the best classes to take at UNH?
Welcome to our course spotlight blog series, where we spotlight courses from different colleges and programs at the University of New Hampshire. Follow along to see what makes these courses stand out and what UNH students learn from them.
Today, we're putting the spotlight on United States Health Care Systems, a course in the health management & policy department. Learn from Robert McGrath, professor of health management & policy, what it's like to take a course where students' interests drive their own learning.
Professor Robert McGrath working with students in the United States Health Care Systems course
What do students learn in United States Health Care Systems?
Students explore how the structure and process of systems (governmental, informal and private) lead to health policy. They also explore the outcomes of policies and disparities in those outcomes. In class, we discuss ways to improve health for all people. Class activities include students exploring and developing areas where they see a need for change or improvement within a health policy context.
Student in Professor McGrath's United States Health Care Systems course
What hands-on learning experiences do students have in this course?
We explore many current and relatable policies. Students do scoping exercises in class on the nature of a problem and what solutions have been tried. They then work to come up with a policy recommendation to address the problem.
Professor Robert McGrath working with students in the United States Health Care Systems course
What skills will students gain for their future in this course?
Students will learn critical thinking and how knowledge and evidence help shape our actions. They will also understand how structure, rules, incentives and penalties shape human behaviors.
Professor Robert McGrath working with students in the United States Health Care Systems course
What's your approach to mentoring your students?
This is a student-interest-driven course. While I teach some foundational material, the students' interests drive the learning. I work hands-on with pairs of students throughout the course.
Professor Robert McGrath working with students in the United States Health Care Systems course
What do students love about this course?
I hope that students love the critical approach and the interactivity.
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