Engaging with the US Press: A Practical Look at Effective Public Health Communications
SBS 225
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
How does the US press actually function? How does the press interact with and influence the operation of public health agencies and systems? This course is intended to provide you with a deeper understanding of the relationship between public health and the American press, a subject of particular importance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the advent of different leadership at HHS. You will hear directly from experts – on both sides of the relationship – about their experiences. Sessions will examine all facets of the relationship, from news reporting to public information, from scientific papers to social media, from inherent complexity to misinformation. To the extent possible, the course is intended to develop and enhance practical knowledge and skills, looking to careers in public health that will, at least from time to time, involve engaging, directly or indirectly, with the press. The course integrates practical and highly interactive training sessions as part of nearly every class session.
Class Notes
THIS CLASS HAS PRIORITY ENROLLMENT
Priority Wave Groups
Wave 1 | DRPH
Wave 2 | All HSPH Degree Students
Wave 3 | All HSPH Degree Students
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Priority Wave Timing
Wave 1 | 8/13/2026 11:00 AM - 8/23/2026 11:59 PM
Wave 2 | 8/24/2026 12:00 AM - 8/26/2026 11:59 PM
Wave 3 | 8/27/2026 12:00 AM Enrollment Deadline (varies by session)
Any student who does not meet the Wave 1 or Wave 2 criteria can add themselves to the waitlist (if enrollment requirements are met) at any time during the enrollment period. At the beginning of each priority wave, students on the waitlist who meet the Wave’s criteria will be automatically enrolled into any remaining seats in the course (pending no time conflicts).
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
