With the increasing prevalence of HIV and AIDS around the world, and the changing demographics of the infected populations, the information that you may have learned about AIDS is quickly becoming out of date. Recently, the AIDS epidemic has received special attention by the media and government agencies because of the debate surrounding pharmaceutical companies and the provision of affordable drug treatments to the developing world. As HIV/AIDS becomes once again part of the local, national and international consciousness, there is a need for individuals to know more about how the epidemic affects their society, including:

• the facts vs. the myths about its origins and transmission

• identification of attitudes and behaviors that impact its spread both positively and negatively

• its social, moral and economic consequences

• the impact of government policy concerning testing, research, and education

• the reality of AIDS vaccine research and treatments

• the changes in AIDS-affected populations over time and the populations most at risk today

At the end of the course, you will be able to talk about AIDS in an informed and sensitive manner, to critically assess media reports and government AIDS legislation, and be encouraged to act to make a positive difference in your society.

Outline

This course will make the most of the online learning environment to help you understand the impact of AIDS in your society, especially the social, moral and economic consequences of the rapid spread of the disease.

• We will use surveys and media research to measure our own and our communities' attitudes towards AIDS-affected persons and existing AIDS prevention/treatment policies.

• We will work in groups to develop informative materials related to specific aspects of the epidemic.

• We will use the online environment to speak honestly and even anonymously about our questions, experiences, and fears.

The first half of the course will cover basic historical, medical and biological aspects of the disease.

In the second half, we will cover social, economic and political aspects. A unit on the demographics will raise awareness of the changes in AIDS-affected populations over time, the countries/populations most at risk today, and the reasons why the disease spreads more rapidly in certain cultural contexts.

The policy aspect of the course will introduce students to challenges in developing AIDS vaccines and treatments, surveillance and testing methods, protective legislation, and international aid. To conclude, we will look at some strategies used for AIDS prevention programs, and theories of behavior change communications.

Who should take this course?

No specific prior knowledge necessary, except to think about what unique experience you might have that would be of interest to the other members of the class. You should be open and committed to participating in all activities in the course.

This course is written in a language accessible to a non-academic audience, including:

• public health professionals;

• medical and legal professionals journalists;

• police and prison staff;

• teachers;

• staff of philanthropic foundations and international donors;

• educators and civil servants in the developing world;

• or anyone who may know an AIDS-affected person.

For use in a home-schooling environment, this course would be appropriate at the high-school level, as it deals with mature issues, as well as some advanced medical and biological concepts.

Follow on

You can look for AIDS-related associations in your neighborhood and volunteer to help spread educational messages. You can write to your government decision-makers and let them know which policies you support. You can watch the newspapers and television for changes in the way AIDS messages are presented, as well as changes in what we know and how we act with respect to AIDS.

You will need

Browser:
PC: Netscape version 4.5 and above, Internet Explorer 5 and above.
Mac OS: Safari, Netscape version 4.5 and above, Internet Explorer 5. Browser must be set to enable cookies.

Other browsers should work as well: enrol on the free Fire Balloon course if you are unsure.

Plug-ins: Flash Player and Quicktime.

Network connection: 56K modem minimum.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

How long is this course?

About duration hours, and we suggest you set aside about 4 hours week - but it's up to you!. You will have tutor support for ***months*** months. You wil have access to your course for a year.

Your tutor

Your tutor for this course is

Sarah Pouezevara

. You can find out more about her on the Tutors page.

Further information

Read a leaflet for this course

 

Do you have any further questions? Visit our Contact Us page and ask away.