Learning Outcomes

TopWith rapid social and economic development in rising Asia, demographic trends in fertility, mortality and migration will have significant impact on the health of the population and other societal implications. There is increasing interest in developing sound and balanced social policies for different age groups over the entire life cycle from birth to death. This module will analyse social policies concerning aspects of population health over the life course, with a particular emphasis on Asia. There is a growing body of scientific literature and research built upon demographic and epidemiological transition studies. Thus population health and ageing must be studied as part of life course factors such as family dynamics and growth related to past policies as well as developmental processes (the social determinants of fertility and longevity). There are also recent policy debates about the inter-generational economy and population ageing issues which are linked to critiques of long-term sustainability of social security, pension and welfare policies.

Upon completion of the module, the student would be able to:

discuss and compare social policy approaches to health and population issues in different countries and contexts
use analytical methods in planning for social and healthcare needs of populations
examine critically the social impact of population policies and the performance of population health programs

Synopsis

TopThis module is an introduction to social policy in population and health issues, with a special focus on countries in Asia that are experiencing rapid demographic and epidemiological transitions. It examines the relationships between population health and development issues, and the different approaches and methods of social policy utilized to compare present and future health and population-related challenges. Past experiences of population growth, movement and decline and the longer term effects on health and related sectors will also be studied with their policy implications. The course takes a systematic life-cycle approach and is a practice-based and policy-oriented module. The practical applications of public health and population sciences are thus employed to the organization of public programs to meet the needs of specific population age-groups. In practice, existing government departments in health or social welfare have been organized to deliver social services by age-groups - from birth to death across childhood, youth, adulthood and old age. Similarly, the organization of the class schedule takes on such a structure, and will have participation from invited practitioners. Selected regional experiences in population health policies and programs will be analysed in various case studies. Seminar topics on current topical issues include comparative national population policies, family planning and reproductive health, maternal and child health, adolescent health, adult and migrant health, health of the elderly, end-of-life issues, population ageing and the future of population health in Asia.

Prerequisites

TopNIL

Teaching Modes

TopThe course will be taught as a series of weekly lectures, seminars and case studies. Participants are expected to conduct detailed research on chosen topics of interest in population health and to present their findings with critical discussions in group seminars, culminating in a final written policy paper.

Schedule

Top

August 8, 2016
Introduction to module – Population, health and social policy

August 15, 2016
The health of populations – From Malthus to MDGs
Overview of the complex relationships between health, population and development issues;
ranging from the theories of population sciences to global concerns in social policy

August 22, 2016
The Demographic Transition – Population fertility, migration and ageing
Theory and evidence relating to the dynamics of population growth or decline, population movements and population structure;
consequences and implications for social policy

August 29, 2016
The Epidemiological Transition – From infectious diseases to chronic conditions
Theory and evidence relating to changes in disease patterns – emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and rise of non-communicable diseases;
consequences and implications for social policy

September 5, 2016
The Health Care Transition – From family planning to eldercare
Health systems responses to the changing demographic and epidemiological transitions;
comprehensive services to population age-groups across the life cycle from birth to death

September 12, 2016 (Holiday)
Take-home Exercise: Critique of the Singapore Population White Paper
Due September 15

September 20, 2016
Semester break
Optional visit to a community-based health and family service centre

September 26, 2016

National Population, Health and Social Policies
Comparative Health and Social Policies

October 3, 2016

Mid-term assessment (Take-home exam)

October 10, 2016

Seminar:
Policy issues of reproductive health and family planning
Infant, maternal and child health services

October 17, 2016

Seminar:
Policy issues relating to health of adolescents and young population
School health and youth health services

Seminar:
Policy issues relating to health of adults and working-age population
Migrant health and occupational health services

October 24, 2015
Seminar:
Policy issues relating to disabilities of vulnerable populations
Substance abuse, addiction and mental health services

Seminar:
Policy Issues relating to chronic diseases
Long term care and end-of-life (terminal) care

October 31, 2015
Seminar:
Ageing and the elderly population
Eldercare services and comparative policies

November 7, 2015
Policy Debate:
The future of population policies – social costs or benefits?
What are the limits and potential of government population intervention programs?
How to balance the needs and priorities of population age-groups in social policies?

November 14, 2015
Talk on population health and social policy
Course review

November 21, 2015
Final term paper due

Assessment

Top

Mid-term Assessment	30%
Population Policy Report	20%
Project Presentation	10%
Project Paper	30%
Class Participation	10%
Total Assessment	100%

Workload

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Lecture and seminar hours per week	3
Number of hours per week for assignments, group work, etc	3
Number of hours per week for preparatory work and readings	2
Total hours per week	8