NS 2100

Controversies in Modern Health

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

This course teaches students to think critically about health claims. Each week, we examine a controversial health topic, dissect the evidence behind it, and then stage structured debates where students argue opposing positions. The goal is not to memorize facts, but to develop the skills to evaluate any health claim you encounter, whether in the news, on social media, or from well-meaning friends and family.

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Distinguish between levels of evidence (case reports, observational studies, randomized trials, meta-analyses) and evaluate their relative strengths and limitations.
• Identify common flaws in health research, including confounding, bias, p-hacking, and conflicts of interest.
• Trace a health claim from media headline back to its original source and assess whether the claim is justified.
• Construct an evidence-based argument for or against a health claim and defend it under questioning.
• Evaluate opposing arguments and provide constructive, specific feedback to peers.

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