Global Public Health in South Africa

General Description

This global seminar invites participants to engage critically with the political, historical, and contextual dimensions of public and global health. Centred on the South African and broader Global South experience, the seminar examines how colonial legacies, neoliberal global health governance, and cis-heteronormative patriarchy continue to shape health systems, knowledge production, and everyday practices of care in health care delivery systems. 

Grounded in decolonial, feminist, and Pan-African thought, the seminar foregrounds the lived experiences of communities historically excluded from global health decision-making. Through case studies, readings, and dialogue, participants will interrogate how anti-Black racism, global inequities in funding and expertise, and structural and social determinants of health influence who benefits from, or is left behind, by current public health models.

The seminar aims to cultivate a space of critical reflection and collective imagination, offering participants conceptual and practical tools to re-envision global health practice as a project of justice, solidarity, and transformation. By situating health within its broader political and historical contexts, the seminar challenges dominant paradigms and opens pathways toward more equitable, community-rooted, and accountable health futures.

Living and Travel Conditions

Program participants live in a self-catering residence in the neighborhood of Rondebosch. Participants are required to share apartments as single accommodation is not available. They are housed in two-bedroomed apartments with shared kitchens and bathrooms. Each apartment houses two participants in their own private room. Shops, restaurants and a laundromat are easily accessed from the residence. 

Faculty

Prof Lance Louskieter (local professor)

Prerequisites and Expectations

Students are required to attend every session and actively participate in class discussions and activities. Students should come prepared and are encouraged to actively engage with all course materials, including readings, videos, and supplementary resources. Students are expected to treat their peers and instructors with respect. Students should approach the program with an open mind, ready to explore diverse perspectives and engage in constructive feedback. Students must adhere to all academic deadlines. Timely submission of work is essential to maintain the flow of the program and ensure equitable participation.

Grading Basis

Letter Grade. Grading will be based on 1 Individual assignment and 1 group assignment. 40% of the overall grade will be given for preparation, attendance, and active participation in class. Letter grades will form the basis of the final overall assessment, with some marks being given for familiarity with reading material and active participation in class discussions.

Financial Assistance

BOSP is committed to ensuring access for all students, regardless of financial circumstances, to global learning opportunities. In past years, roughly 50% of students participating in short-term BOSP programs have received financial assistance. Financial need will have no impact on program admission decisions. All applicants will be automatically considered for financial assistance towards the tuition and program fee. Students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the Financial Aid Office, will be notified by BOSP regarding their eligibility for a fee waiver of up to 100% of all billed costs. Based on eligibility, some students may also qualify for an additional grant to be used towards the cost of travel. Award amounts will be announced after acceptance, and students will have time to consider their plans prior to their commitment to participate. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant may be eligible for additional federal funding as determined by the Financial Aid Office.