This course features a focus on (1) the literature on health and social justice movements and activism, and (2) community-based and local health problems and organizing, with a consideration of the relation between local community and the global. In a “place matters” assignment, students will Identify, collect, analyze, synthesize, and present relevant place-based data on factors influencing health. The concept of ‘structural competency’ underlies the approach of this course. Topics pursued might include: the water crisis in Flint, Michigan; women’s health; racism and morbidity and mortality crisis; HIV/ AIDS activism; public health mobilization for immigrant rights; and health educators and ethical issues.