Prof. Rick Mayes
Friday afternoons
weekly seminars in Gottwald 100
Fall 2009
3:00-6:00 p.m.
dinner together in D-Hall (6-7pm)
SSIR/PLSC 363
“Global Health, Infectious Disease and Human Rights”
This course examines what makes us sick, what keeps us healthy, and what it would take to give good health the
upper hand in developing countries. Over the past 150 years, major breakthroughs in public health have enabled
humans to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. Clean drinking water, modern sanitation and good
nutrition—along with the development of highly effective vaccines and antibiotics—have increased average
western life expectancy by an unprecedented 35 years. Unfortunately, the benefits of public health have yet to be
extended to many of the poorest nations in the developing world. Meanwhile, in the past two decades, infectious
diseases that had nearly been conquered, such as tuberculosis, have come surging back, while devastating new
diseases such as AIDS, SARS and West Nile Virus have emerged. Microbial resistance to many modern drugs is
rising, threatening everyone. With globalization, humans are more vulnerable to outbreaks from any part of the
world. Increasingly, therefore, the health of any one individual depends on the health of all.
Summary and Objectives:
As this course explains, sound health is a prerequisite for human rights and economic prosperity, not simply a byproduct of economic growth. At a minimum, economic prosperity requires:

A physical infrastructure of water, sewer, energy, and transportation systems

Affordable education

A basic level of health and health care
The following are the primary issues and subjects that we will study this year: epidemiology, disease prevention,
micro-credit finance, family planning policies and practices, innovative sanitation and clean water initiatives,
economic development, forced prostitution, child labor, education practices in developing countries, globalization,
immigration, child and maternal health, nutritional advances, innovative agricultural engineering, emergency
medicine (i.e., Doctors Without Borders), antibiotics, vaccines, immunizations, and conditions and diseases such as
Polio, Avian Flu, Smallpox, Ebola, Kwashiorkor, Schistosomiasis, Night Blindness, River Blindness, Rubella,
Hookworm, plague, West Nile Virus, MRSA, Hepatitis, Typhoid, Cholera, Tetanus, Eclampsia, Measles, Mumps,
diarrhea, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, and three of the world’s biggest killers—AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Books (14 total)
- Tracy Kidder, Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World
- David Bornstein, How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas (Oxford University Press)
- Greg Mortenson and David O. Relin, Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…Once School at a Time
- Jessica Snyder Sachs, Good Germs, Bad Germs: Health and Survival in a Bacterial World (Hill and Wang)
- David Heymann, Control of Communicable Diseases Manual (19th edition, American Public Health Association, 2008)
- Stephanie Nolan, 28: Stories of AIDS in Africa (Walker)
- Elizabeth Pisani, The Wisdom of Whores: Bureaucrats, Brothels and the Business of AIDS (W. W. Norton)
- Paul Offit, Vaccinated: One Man’s Quest to Defeat the World’s Deadliest Diseases (Smithsonian Books)
- Amartya Sen, Development as Freedom (Smithsonian Books)
- Jeffrey Sachs, The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time (Penguin)
- William Easterly, The Elusive Quest for Growth: Economists’ Adventures and Misadventures in the Tropics (MIT Press)
- Muhammad Yunus, Creating a World without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism (Public Affairs)
- Sonia Nazario, Enrique’s Journey (Random House)
- Paul Farmer, Pathologies of Power: Health, Human Rights and the New War on the Poor (University of California Press)
1
Assignments, Exams, Group Projects
10 Summer Readings & “SAR” Papers
10 Fall “Analysis Reflection” Papers
2 Team Debates & Presentations
Exam (November 6th)
Research Paper (December 13th)
Research PowerPoint Presentation
Research YouTube Video
Class Participation & Attendance
10%
10%
10%
30%
25%
5%
5%
5%
“Analysis Reflection” papers of Weekly Assignments (10 papers, 1% maximum point each)
During both the summer vacation and fall semester, you are to turn in ten 2-3 page, single-spaced
“Analysis Reflection” (20 two-to-three page papers total). Each paper consists of: (a) an analysis of the
readings’ or documentary’s main argument(s), (b) a section in which you explain your reaction(s) to them if you
can, and (c) your grade or evaluation of the readings’ (or documentary’s) overall quality: A-F. For the format of
the papers, see last page of this syllabus. An excellent paper receives a grade of “check plus” (1 point); a good
paper receives a grade of “check” (0.5 points); and a poor paper receives a grade of “check minus” (0 points).
Honor Code:
Every assignment and exam must be submitted with your signature next to the full written pledge:
“I pledge that I have neither received nor given unauthorized assistance during the completion of this work.”
The test of plagiarism is whether the work will give an ordinary reader a reasonable impression that the work is the original work of the author
when it is in fact a copy of the work of someone else…It is unnecessary to show that you intended to cheat for the offense of plagiarism.
NO PLAGIARISM TOLERATED
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Common Types of Plagiarism:
Direct copying (verbatim) from internet sources or texts without acknowledgement (not even in the list of
references/bibliography at the end).
Direct copying (verbatim) in reasonably large quantity from internet sources or texts with citation or
bibliography, but without using quotation marks.
No citation throughout the essay, with a list of references only at the end. No evidence of direct copying,
but evidence of failure to acknowledge source of ideas.
Failure to paraphrase properly, leaving the original passages more or less intact, except for the alteration of a
few words here and there. Citation provided only at the end of a couple of paragraphs.
Citing sources either in the footnote or in the bibliography or both, that the student has not consulted. (This
problem commonly arises when the student is quoting the sources quoted in other people’s work.)
Improper acknowledgement of other’s work due to incomplete citations or bibliographic references.
Class Preparation, Participation, and Attendance (5% of grade)
A major portion of each student’s final grade will be determined by his or her weekly participation. All
students are expected to attend every class period ready with questions and comments. Therefore, attendance
is mandatory. The preparation and participation component of your final grade is substantial (half of a letter
grade).
I will operate the course as a graduate-level seminar, so it is essential that you have done all the readings
and analysis for every class. Please note that it is impossible to receive credit for class participation if you are
absent. During the first two weeks of class, please inform the instructor of any religious holidays that might
require you to miss class so that alternative arrangements for completing missed work can be made at the
earliest opportunity.
2
Team Debates & Presentations (10% of grade – 1 debate [5%] and 1 presentation [5%]/per student)
For debates, you split up into teams of 2 students, take a position on a policy controversy, and debate it
with another team of 2 students in front of the class. After Q&A, the class will then vote on which side made
the more convincing argument. For presentations, you will: split up into teams of 2 students, research an NGO
or policy issue, and make a joint presentation on it to the class. Debate and presentation dates are as follows:
September 4,11,18,25
October 23,30
November 13,20
Research Paper, PowerPoint Presentation and YouTube Documentary Video
(25%, 5% and 5% of your final grade, respectively)
The purpose of this assignment is to encourage you and a classmate to become the University of Richmond’s
leading expert on a particular topic associated with this course. Once again, you will split up into teams of 2
students, choose any topic related to public health, economic development and/or human rights, and then pose
a research question about your topic (e.g., What is the impact of micro-credit finance organizations, such as
BRAC, on policy, treatment, and research related to tuberculosis rates?). Choose a topic that is very interesting
to both of you and, if you need help refining your topic, please feel more than free to talk with me about it.

A one-page overview of your team’s topic, why you chose it, and what you hope to learn is due in class on
Friday, November 13.

A rough draft of your paper is due to your Writing Fellow, Sarah Gehrke (sarah.gehrke@richmond.edu) by
Friday, December 11. Your completed paper is due Monday, December 14. It will be graded on the
basis of three criteria: (1) content, (2) writing style (e.g., organization, clarity, logic, and technical
presentation), and (3) the extent of research and analysis you have performed. Your paper should be
around 15 pages in length and should include a substantial reference list. Please make use of the services
available in the Writing Center and the library, Laura Horne in particular (lhorne@richmond.edu). Effective
writing takes time, discipline, and a commitment to improvement with multiple rough drafts.

You and your student research partner will make a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation to the entire class
on your research during the period designated for our class’ final exam. Provide handouts and a succinct
overview of the question(s) you sought to answer and your preliminary findings. You will also produce an
approximately 5-minute video of your research that you will upload onto YouTube, which you will also
show to the class after or before your PowerPoint presentation.
Grades and Scoring
Everyone begins the class with zero (0) points. Through class participation, analysis Reflection papers,
exams, presentations, documentary productions and debates, you earn points over the course of the semester.
The number of points you earn determines the grade you receive: D/F is representative of work that is poorincomplete; C, adequate; B, excellent; and A, extraordinary (and relatively rare).
A= 100-95
A-= 94-90
B+= 89-88
B= 87-84
B-= 83-80
C+= 79-78
C= 77-74
C-= 73-70
D+= 69-68
D= 67-64
D-= 63-61
F= 60-0
Late Policy
My policy is firm but fair. I don’t expect to use this policy, but if it has to go into effect it will. In brief,
paper grades will be automatically reduced for every day late. Any paper submitted more than 2 days late will
receive an automatic “F”. Those with genuine emergencies will be given extensions, but they must be cleared
with me in advance.
3
ASSIGNMENTS:
over summer break…
Every two weeks, email me your 2-3 page analysis reflection paper for each assignment (each paper is worth
1% of your final grade). Your first paper is due by May 16th, your second paper by May 31st, … etc.
See the last page of this syllabus for the papers’ format.
Weeks of May 1-7 and 8-15
How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas
by David Bornstein Summer Analysis Reflection Paper (SARP#1 – due May 16)
Weeks of May 17-23 and 24-30:
Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…Once School at a Time
by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Rein (SARP#2 – due May 31)
Weeks of June 1-6 and 7-13:
Development as Freedom
by Amartya Sen
(SARP#3 – due June 13)
Weeks of June 14-20 and 21-27:
The Elusive Quest for Growth: Economists’ Adventures and Misadventures in the Tropics
by William Easterly
(SARP#4 – due June 28)
Weeks of June 29-July 4 and July 5-11:
Good Germs, Bad Germs: Survival in a Bacterial World
by Jessica Snyder Sachs
(SARP#5 – due July 11)
Weeks of July 12-18 and 19-25:
documentary: Part One -- The Age of AIDS
(^ watch online at the link below ^)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/aids/view/
Part Two -- The Age of AIDS
(SARP#6 – due July 25)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/aids/view/
28: Stories of AIDS in Africa
by Stephanie Nolan
(SARP#7 – due July 25)
Weeks of July 26-August 1 and August 2-8
The Wisdom of Whores: Bureaucrats, Brothels and the Business of AIDS
by Elizabeth Pisani
(SARP#8 – due August 8)
*! - have your Hepatitis A, Typhoid (oral), Yellow Fever, and Tetanus vaccinations up to date
(recommended—but not required—vaccinations: Hepatitis B and flu (nasal) - !*
movie:
The Motorcycle Diaries
(SARP#9 – due August 8)
Weeks of August 9-15 and 16-22
Pathologies of Power: Health, Human Rights, and the New War on the Poor
by Paul Farmer
(SARP#10 – due August 23)
4
FALL SEMESTER…
------------------------------------------------------------------8/28 First Class Meeting: Introduction and Overview and 5-minute Bio’s for each SSIR Student
Infectious Disease of the Week: Syphilis 9/4
(* read relevant chapter in Heymann’s Control of Communicable Diseases Manual *)
Mountains Beyond Mountains
Analysis Reflection Paper (ARP#1)
Team Presentation: PlayPumps International and Rose George’s The Big Necessity
Infectious Disease of the Week: Tuberculosis (* read relevant chapter in Heymann’s Control of Communicable Diseases Manual *) * Sat. *
9/5
Special Career Counseling Event: “Global Health & Human Rights Destinations 2012”
10:30am – 7:30pm
September: Vaccinations and Antibiotics
Vaccinated: One Man’s Quest to Defeat the World’s Deadliest Diseases
by Paul Offit
pp. 1-112 (Sept. 11/ARP#2); pp. 113-206 (Sept. 18/ARP#3)
9/11
Team Presentation: Nearing a malaria vaccine? and Make the HPV vaccine mandatory?
Infectious Disease of the Week: Smallpox 9/18
(* read relevant chapter in Heymann’s Control of Communicable Diseases Manual *)
Groopman, “Superbugs: The New Generation of Infections is Almost Impossible to Treat”
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_groopman?printable=true (included in ARP#3 )
Team Debate: Should we allow religious or philosophical objections to pediatric vaccinations?
Infectious Disease of the Week: Cholera (* read relevant chapter in Heymann’s Control of Communicable Diseases Manual *) September: Economic Development and Innovation
The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time
by Jeffrey Sachs
pp. 1-89 (September 25/ARP#4); pp. 226-368 (October 2/ARP#5)
9/25
Team Debate: Should malarial-prevention bed nets be sold or given away for free?
Infectious Disease of the Week: Plague 10/2
(* read relevant chapter in Heymann’s Control of Communicable Diseases Manual *)
Field Trip to Center for Global Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine
Guest Speaker: Dr. Richard L. Guerrant, M.D., Director
Thomas H. Hunter Professor of International Medicine, Infectious Disease & Int’l Health
* weekend *
10/2-10/4
Volunteer with Remote Area Medical’s mission in Grundy, VA (Appalachia)
5
10/9
Class meeting to prepare for our trip to Peru
Guest Speakers: 1.) Andy Bobowski, UR Alum, Class of 2008
Teach for America (faculty member, Memphis, TN)
“Learning from Latin America and Teaching in Challenging Environments”
2.) Diana Naidoo, UR Alumnae, Class of 2007
Prenatal/OB Coordinator, CrossOver Health Clinic
“Life in Pampas Grande Teaching English as a Second Language to Kids”
3.) Becky Condon, UR Alumnae, Class of 2007
MPH, Boston University
“HIV/AIDS Reduction, Nutrition & Public Health Work in Africa and Belize”
4.) Dr. Judith and Dr. Richard Brown
“The Global Burden of Disease and Disability Adjusted Life Years”
Fall Break
10/10-10/17
** Research & Community Service Trip to Peru **
10/20
Guest Speakers: Dr. and Mrs. Wazir (parents of Inaayat Wazir)
Tuesday
“Global Health, Human Rights and Children’s Futures in Pakistan/Central Asia”
1:45-3:15pm
Whitehurst Living Room
October: Economic Development, Innovation and Sustainability
Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism
by Muhammad Yunus pp. 1-162 (October 23/ARP#6); pp. 165-248 (October 30/ARP#7)
10/23 Team Presentation: William Easterly’s White Man’s Burden and SEWA (http://www.sewa.org/)
Infectious Disease of the Week: Malaria
(* read relevant chapter in Heymann’s Control of Communicable Diseases Manual *)
10/27
Career Development Center's “Health Career Expo”
Tuesday 6-8:00pm, Gottwald Atrium
10/30 PBS Frontline/World “Uganda: A Little Goes a Long Way,” (^ watch online ^)
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/uganda601/video_index.html
“A Fistful Of Dollars: The Story of a Kiva.org Loan,” (^ watch online ^)
http://www.vimeo.com/2769845
- 2 page synopsis of: (a) the 2 documentaries, (b) your loan recipient, and (c) their project
ARP#8
Team Debate: Which researcher/advocate, Jeffrey Sachs or William Easterly, do Paul
Farmer and Partners in Health more resemble in their work and organization?
Infectious Disease of the Week: Yellow Fever
(* read relevant chapter in Heymann’s Control of Communicable Diseases Manual *)
6
November 11/6
EXAM
(* covering all material and assignments, including those from the summer *)
November: Infectious Diseases and the Challenges of Expanding Treatment & Prevention
11/13 go over your mid-term exams in class & discuss collectively your research project ideas
- J. Ruxin, “Doctors without Orders: Are Doctors Screwing up Public Health,” (2008)
http://s3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/339/DoctorsWithoutOrdersRuxin.pdf
- L. Garrett, “The Challenge of Global Health,” Foreign Affairs (2007)
http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20070101faessay86103/laurie-garrett/the-challenge-of-global-health.html?mode=print
- N. Daulaire, “Global Health for a Globally Minded President,” Health Affairs (2009)
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/reprint/hlthaff.28.2.w199v1
ARP#9
** turn in 1-page overview of your team research project **
Team Presentation: Helen Epstein’s The Invisible Cure and Plumpynut
Infectious Disease of the Week: AIDS
(* read relevant chapter in Heymann’s Control of Communicable Diseases Manual *)
11/20 Enrique’s Journey: The Story of a Boy’s Dangerous Odyssey to Reunite with His Mother
by Sonia Nazario (pp. vi-135)
Team Debate: Should the U.S. adopt a more routine/mandatory approach to testing for
infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS), similar to Botswana’s, or should it
maintain its current voluntary approach?
Infectious Disease of the Week: Influenza
(* read relevant chapter in Heymann’s Control of Communicable Diseases Manual *)
Thanksgiving Break (finish Enrique’s Journey over break)
December: Summary and Conclusion
12/4
Enrique’s Journey: The Story of a Boy’s Dangerous Odyssey to Reunite with His Mother
by Sonia Nazario (pp. 137-267)
ARP#10
Summary analysis of our class and trip; discussion of preliminary research findings
and preparation for students’ presentations of their research during final exam period
---------------------------------------------Research Papers, PowerPoint Presentations and YouTube Videos
12/ during final exam period
7
Jane Doe
TEMPLATE/FORMAT
May 16, 2009
Prof. Mayes
Reflection paper for
David Bornstein’s
“How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas”
Analysis of the Main Argument(s) and Your Favorite Findings/Aspects/Arguments in “How To Change the World”
1 page
Your Personal Reflection(s), Disagreement(s), Agreement(s), Opinion(s) of the Book: its Strengths & Weaknesses:
1-2 pages and provide Your Final GRADE for the Book or Documentary: A through F
8