The course is designed to investigate the role of health promotion and health education in public health, providing health professionals with essential tools in developing, implementing, advocating, and leading health promotion and education actions. The overall aim is to acquire knowledge and skills on processes and strategies enabling people to increase control over, and improve their health, in a holistic approach. The course will examine the history and theories of health promotion and education, professional competencies, use of technology, health policy, and ethical issues pertaining to health education. Students will learn the value of health promotion challenges and opportunities in relation to public health issues. Emphasis will be given to: (1) trends in the health promotion practice and research, (2) the skills associated with effective health promotion practice, and (3) the strategic importance of carrying out health promotion programs and policies in the context of various cultural and organizational entities.

This course will describe the health education and health promotion profession, its principles, terminology, history, theories of behavior change, and career opportunities in the schools, and in the public. The course will also review basic program planning skills, implementation, prevention types and effectiveness/efficiency and evaluation of community and worksite health promotion programs. The students will plan, implement, and evaluate a health promotion program, i.e., wellness fair, or workshop. Students will learn grant writing skills, pamphlet/newsletter development and will be introduced to the field of wellness/health coaching and facilitator trainings, i.e., smoking cessation.