410.654.01
Health Communication Programs I: Planning and Strategic Design

Location
East Baltimore
Term
3rd Term
Department
Health, Behavior and Society
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Tu, Th, 3:30 - 5:20pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Carmen Cronin
Contact Name
Carmen Cronin
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite
Description
This course is designed for learners who want to apply cutting edge theory and research methods to the design, implementation, and evaluation of population-based communication programs aimed at changing health behaviors and improving health outcomes.
Focuses on the design, implementation, evaluation, and critique of communication programs designed to influence health behavior and improve public health (two-quarter course). Emphasizes the step-by-step process of (1) formative research and situation analysis (including use of conceptual frameworks, qualitative and quantitative audience research, and assessment of the media, policy and services environment), (2) theory-based and evidence-based strategic design, (3) message development, pretesting, and materials production, (4) program implementation and monitoring, and (5) theory-based program evaluation, utilization and dissemination of findings.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Discuss the steps involved in developing, implementing and evaluating a health communication project, intervention or campaign
  2. Describe the types of research necessary to develop a health communication strategy and design a project
  3. Develop a work plan for a health communication project
  4. Design and carry out a sample survey to identify pre- and post-intervention discuss, attitudes and behaviors
  5. Develop communication messages and materials consistent with a health communication strategy
  6. Describe appropriate monitoring and evaluation techniques used to track and assess health communication processes and effects
  7. Describe the elements that make a health communication project effective and critique designs and materials used by actual health communication interventions
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 10% Participation
  • 20% Midterm
  • 50% Group Project(s)
  • 10% Presentation(s)
  • 10% Written Assignment(s)
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

Grades submitted at end of 4th term. Students are required to meet with TA/Professor one hour a week outside of regular class time.