May 01, 2024  
2018-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2018-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

Core Curriculum Requirements
The Core Foundation/Proficiency attribute search terms are:

  • Civic Engagement, Diversity, Ethics, Fine Arts, Natural Science, Oral Communication, Philosophy, Physics-Based Natural Science, Quantitative Reasoning, Social Science, Theology, Writing I, Writing II

To search in the Catalog for courses that meet specific Core Foundation/Proficiency attributes, there are three options:

  1. Use the Course Filter on the Course Descriptions page. Enter your desired search term in the “Keyword or Phrase” box and check the box beneath for “Find whole word or phrase only.”
  2. Enter the desired search term, in quotes, in the Publication Search box.
  3. Use the Advanced Search feature of the Publication Search. Click on the Advanced Search button and type in the desired search term in the “Enter a keyword or phrase” field, check the box beneath for “Find whole word or phrase only.”, and leave only the Courses checkbox checked. This will ensure that only courses containing the desired search term show.

In addition, users may visit the Core Curriculum site for a listing of courses that have been approved for specific Core Curriculum requirements and/or search the Semester Course Offerings in CyberFriar.

Need assistance? Please contact the Office of the Registrar or 401.865.1033.
 

Health Policy and Management
  

  • HPM 101 - The American Health Care System

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Explores the historical evolution and current structure of the U.S. health care system. Examines the socioeconomic context in which health care is delivered, the providers of health services, and those who pay for this care. Students also analyze contemporary proposals for reforming the health care system.


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  • HPM 202 - Principles of Health Care Management

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Builds a foundation for health care management by introducing students to topics such as leadership, management theory, strategic planning, quality and performance improvement, information technology, financial management, human resources, teamwork, cultural competency and diversity, ethics, and fraud and abuse. Theory is integrated with real world problems through the use of case studies and relevant literature. Prerequisite: HPM 101.


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  • HPM 240 - The Epidemiology of Health and Disease

    1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Social Science

    How do epidemics start? How can we control the spread of disease? Epidemiology studies the determinants of health and disease from a population perspective. Students gain familiarity with concepts and methods in the field using case studies to illustrate how epidemiologists conduct research, analyze data, and make public health recommendations. Prerequisite: HPM 101.


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  • HPM 250 - Computer Information Systems in Health Policy and Management

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Students explore new developments in information systems and technology in health care organizations, master the use of commonly used software tools, develop presentation skills, and gain experience working in teams. No prior knowledge of computer information systems is assumed. Prerequisite: HPM 101.


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  • HPM 300 - Financial Management of Health Care Institutions

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Introduces students to the challenges of financial management in a complex health care environment. Topics include the third-party payer system, basic accounting principles, analyzing financial statements, and concepts such as cost allocation and product costing, cost variance analysis, the time value of money and its role in capital project analysis, and managing cash flow. Prerequisite: HPM 101.


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  • HPM 303 - Management of Human Resources in the Health Care Setting

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Explores the human resource manager’s responsibility to recruit and retain personnel and to coordinate policies throughout the organization. Lectures and class exercises examine the interaction of managers and other members of the health care team to promote both organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction. Prerequisite: HPM 101.


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  • HPM 310 - Health Law

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Explores practical aspects of health law, with an emphasis on personal liability, corporate liability, and intentional torts. Students learn essential guidelines for health care managers in establishing policies concerning medical records, insurance considerations, and risk management. State regulation of health care organizations and the liability of personnel working in health care facilities also are considered. Prerequisite: HPM 101 and junior standing.


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  • HPM 315 - Issues in Global Health

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Explores some of the important health problems and issues that transcend national boundaries such as infectious diseases, health disparities among countries, or global warming. Students examine how these problems are addressed through cooperative actions and international programs and analyze the role of key national and global actors. Prerequisite: HPM 101 and junior standing.


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  • HPM 319 - Sociology of Health and Illness

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Explores the social aspects of health and illness, the relationship of illness to the organization of society, and the organization of medical care-the distribution of correlates of mortality and morbidity, attitudes toward illness, the sick role, the organization of therapeutic settings, the economics, and the politics. Health delivery systems are evaluated cross-culturally and proposals for change in the American health system are critiqued. Same as SOC 319.


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  • HPM 320 - Perspectives on Not-for-Profit Organizations

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    An introduction to the history and role of not-for profit organizations (NFPs) in the health care system. The mission and goals of NFPs are contrasted with those of for-profit organizations. Students review managerial activities within NFP organizations, such as health insurers, community hospitals, and advocacy groups. Prerequisite: HPM 101.


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  • HPM 322 - Public Health Administration and Practice

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Focuses on the development of policies and programs designed to promote the health of individuals, groups, communities, and populations. Students will consider the challenges of measuring and targeting interventions to prevent and control diseases and will consider the role of both public health agencies and private actors in addressing these issues. Prerequisite: HPM 240.


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  • HPM 323 - Administration of the Extended Care Facility

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Offers an in-depth study of the demand for, and organization of, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care providers. Students will compare the managerial challenges of caring for patients in both institutional and home/community-based settings. Prerequisite: HPM 101.


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  • HPM 331 - Aging and Health

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Examines the impact of aging on individuals, health providers, and the American health care system. Special attention paid to the health service needs generated by an aging society and contemporary responses to these needs in the United States. Prerequisite: HPM 101.


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  • HPM 379 - Special Topics

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Topics discussed in the seminar will vary from semester to semester, meeting a core requirement or proficiency. Open to HPM juniors and seniors only.


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  • HPM 395 - Research

    1 semester, Variable credit hours (1-3 credit hours) where 1 credit hour equals 4 hours research time-

    Students will be engaged in a creative research project under the direction of the faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but may only be applied to the Health Policy and Management major once. Offered in the fall semester. Must be taken on a pass/fail basis. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor required.


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  • HPM 396 - Research

    1 semester, Variable credit hours (1-3 credit hours) where 1 credit hour equals 4 hours research time-

    Students will be engaged in a creative research project under the direction of the faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but may only be applied to the Health Policy and Management major once. Offered in the spring semester. Must be taken on a pass/fail basis. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor required.


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  • HPM 408 - Policy Analysis in the Health Sector

    1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Civic Engagement

    Explores the role of public officials and private interests in shaping health care policy and develops essential skills for students to participate in the policy making process. Policy issues are discussed using case studies, role playing, and debates. Students examine the processes of agenda-building, decision-making, and program implementation on a variety of state and federal health policy issues. Prerequisite: HPM 310 and junior status.


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  • HPM 420 - Strategic Management in Health Care

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Explores the strategic decision-making process in health care organizations. Topics include the analysis and evaluation of health-related programs as well as the marketing, financing, and operational analysis conducted within health care provider institutions. Students will make extensive use of case studies. Prerequisites: HPM 300 and HPM 310.


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  • HPM 430 - Intensive Writing Seminar

    1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Writing II

    Explores a theme in contemporary health policy and management through advanced readings, student led discussions, and a major writing project. Offers intensive, personalized instruction in academic writing in the field of health policy and management. Guides students through conducting research, planning a writing project, and developing advanced skills in rhetoric, grammar, and revision. Prerequisites: HPM 101 and HPM 240.


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  • HPM 445 - Diet, Nutrition, and Obesity in the United States

    1 semester, 3 credits- Core Foundation/Proficiency: Writing II; Oral Communication

    Is obesity a disease? Is obesity a matter of personal responsibility, or is it due to a culture overloaded with unhealthy foods? This research and writing-intensive seminar explores answers to these and other key questions using an interdisciplinary approach. Students will examine changes in health policy, medicine, and other areas that contribute to understanding and defining obesity. Prerequisites: HPM 101 and HPM 240.


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  • HPM 450 - Field Experience

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Students develop their professional skills under the guidance of an internship supervisor at a placement site arranged in collaboration with a faculty member. Students will be expected to apply concepts and skills from their previous course work to practical problems in their organization. Seminar meetings allow students to reflect upon their experiences. Prerequisites: HPM 300, and 310. Open to HPM seniors or by permission.


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  • HPM 480 - Senior Seminar in Health Policy and Management

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    A team-taught capstone seminar for seniors that examines contemporary health policy and management issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students develop a deeper appreciation for the historical, ethical, legal, socioeconomic, and political dimensions of contemporary health policy and management issues. Prerequisite: Senior standing.


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  • HPM 490-491 - Independent Study in Health Policy and Management

    1 semester, 3 credits-

    Allows for in-depth study of a topic in health policy and management. This is designed as an advanced course; the student and the faculty member must agree upon a syllabus that includes a schedule of assigned readings and a major paper/project. Students may enroll in more than one independent study to explore different topics in the field. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.


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