Navigating Health in a Divided Nation

The health of Americans is shaped not only by medicine and policy, but also by politics, ideology, and culture. This course examines what it means to lead, communicate, and build trust in an era of polarization and misinformation. Students will explore how values and worldviews shape debates over science, health policy, and the role of government — from national initiatives and crisis leadership to global and Indigenous frameworks for wellbeing. Through case studies, simulations, and critical reflection, the course equips students with practical tools for leadership in divided contexts. Students will learn to frame messages for different audiences, communicate under pressure, and engage constructively across ideological lines. They will analyze how political polarization, social identity, and distrust influence health outcomes, and develop strategies for rebuilding confidence in public institutions and evidence-based decision-making. By the end of the course, students will be able to connect the moral and strategic dimensions of health leadership—balancing clarity and compassion while navigating uncertainty, disagreement, and competing definitions of what “health” should mean in America today