Just Health Care in Developing Nations
Theology 2461/IHS 2791 – STR
A Faith-Justice Academic Immersion Experience Study Tour
Socially induced needs are a result of a historical development of material and social conditions coupled with a social consensus that some things are necessary for happiness, social life, or some other goal. In American society certain needs are considered a necessity. Most Americans would agree with this, although it is clear that societies have survived and often flourished without these necessary goods. However, many societies lack the wealth and infrastructure to supply these goods to the majority of their people. Adequate health care is not only a need of every person, it is a fundamental right that all persons deserve. The principle of justice demands an equitable distribution of health care resources that is adequate for the restoration and preservation of health for all members of humanity. This basic and adequate health care may be called humane insofar as it protects the dignity of every individual person. Just Health Care in Developing Nations examines the issue of just health care for all peoples from both a public health perspective and an ethical perspective.
During the Spring semester, information sessions offer an opportunity to learn more about the course and immersion as well as meet former students and current faculty teaching the course. Selected students will participate in a Fall semester course (enrolled as either IHS or THE) culminating in a 10 day immersion to the Dominican Republic over January break. While in the Dominican Republic, students will visit public and private health care hospitals, clinics and centers. Students will experience health care in the developing first hand through 2 direct service opportunities with Haitian refugee communities and Fe y Alegria schools and child development center. For further information, please contact Ann Marie Jursca at 610-660-1337 or ajursca@sju.edu or Fr. Peter Clark, SJ at 610-660-1465 or pclark@sju.edu.
