HPR 179 A-Z - Special Topics in HealthSemester Hours: 1-3 Periodically
Specific courses designed to explore emerging topics in health.
Current Special Topics
179AC - German Healthcare Policy
The purpose of this course and study abroad experience is to take a deep dive into health care policy and healthcare provisions in Germany, providing a different lens through which to view health care policy and how to provide care. The goal of the study abroad experience is to give students a unique opportunity to meet with academics and health care professionals in the field, and to explore cultural and historic sites to understand the intersection of health policy, society, and culture. Throughout the experience, we will examine the German health care system and facilitate comparisons and evaluations compared to the US system.
HPR 179AE - Population Aging
This course will guide students through an analysis of contemporary issues in population aging – from social, political, and economic perspectives – with an emphasis on problem definition and solution development. The overarching goal of the course is to prepare public health professionals to appropriately and substantively frame the population aging discussion in a solution-oriented, positive way and to advocate for evidence-based, multidisciplinary strategies that encourage and enable healthy and productive decisions at the individual, organizational, governmental and societal levels.
Crosslisted as: MPH 228
HPR 179BB: Art, Memory, and Healing: An Exploration Through Art Therapy, Studio Art, and Art History
Morgan Gaydos, Counseling and Mental Health Professions and Anna Novakov, Fine Arts, Design, Art History
This 15-week course brings together the disciplines of Creative Art Therapy, Studio Art, and Art History to explore the therapeutic potential of art in the context of memory and healing. Through team-taught sessions, students will examine how art can facilitate emotional expression, personal reflection, and the processing of memories, particularly in the framework of reminiscence therapy. The course will begin with an introduction to the fundamentals of art therapy and the historical context of how art has been used for healing across cultures. Studio-based projects will guide students in creating artworks that engage with personal and collective memory, while weekly lectures in art history will examine how artists from different periods have grappled with themes of memory, trauma, and identity. Special emphasis will be placed on reminiscence therapy, where students will study its principles and practice, followed by hands-on sessions where they will learn how to use creative techniques to support individuals in recalling and reflecting on their past experiences. The course will be structured around reading assignments, case studies, collaborative art-making, and discussions. Students will emerge with a deeper understanding of the intersection between therapeutic practices, creative expression, and historical context, gaining skills that are applicable to both artistic and therapeutic settings. By the end of the course, students will have developed an understanding of how fine arts can be used as a tool for expression, healing, and social impact, while also refining their artistic skills in a meaningful, interdisciplinary context.
Crosslisted as: FA 181B
This course is a featured interdisciplinary course for Fall 2025. For more information, visit our Interdisciplinary Courses Webpage.
HPR 179M - Opioids, Marijuana & Vaping; Current Trends and Local Government’s Role
This course will examine the current trends in opioid, marijuana, and vaping use, abuse, programs, policies, and politics, with a focus on local government’s role. The course will look specifically at how a local Department of Human Services works in conjunction with the Departments of Health and Social Services, as well as with health care and community-based organizations, to facilitate the sharing and exchange of information and to collaborate in comprehensive, integrated, and effective ways.
HPR 179Q - Public Health Emergencies: Current Trends in Community Response and Government’s Role
This course will examine the current trends in Public Health Emergencies. Several public health emergencies of the 21st century have demonstrated the need for enormous coordination among multiple entities for good outcomes. Historically, these preparedness and response activities have mostly been within the domain of local, state, and national government agencies. However, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are also playing larger roles in recent public health emergencies for multiple reasons. Often, the government may be limited in the immediate resources available to respond to an emergency, or these agencies may not be able to help speedily, and the private sector and NGOs may be able to deliver aid quickly through well-established formal and informal networks. The course will look specifically at how local Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) work in conjunction with health care, community-based organizations, and the private sector to facilitate the sharing and exchange of information and resources in comprehensive, integrated, and effective ways.
HPR 179V - Trauma: Brain/Body Connection
Designed to familiarize prospective health professionals with the lifelong impacts that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) may have on one’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Emphasis will be placed on the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. Students will explore how to incorporate a “trauma lens” into their field of choice. Students will develop a range of communication and helping skills to work with diverse populations.
179U - Introduction to School of Health Sciences
HPR 179U is designed to assist first-year students in the School of Health Professions and Human Services in making a positive adjustment to and to assimilate into university life. Students will discuss topics that have an impact on a college experience, and they will learn about important resources and support services available at the University. Through discussions, readings, and assignments students will develop the skills and awareness that will serve them through their years at Hofstra and in the future.
This course is designed to enhance your first-year experience at Hofstra University by providing a structured environment to assist you in making the transition to college. You will be encouraged to use critical thinking skills to set goals and make responsible decisions regarding academics, major, and career planning, and social relationships. The course will also explore your role in the university environment.
HPR 179W - Current Trends in Physical Therapy
This course is an introduction to the physical therapy profession within the health care system for undergraduate students interested in the field of physical therapy. This course provides an introduction and orientation to the field of physical therapy. This course provides students with the opportunity to clearly define the role of physical therapy and learn about physical therapy settings and specialties. This course provides students with the knowledge of how to prepare for graduate school, and how to prepare for applying to a physical therapy program. This course offers a variety of subjects/topics related to the practice of physical therapy.
Prerequisite(s)/Course Notes: As individual subjects are selected, each is assigned a letter (A-Z) and added to the course number. Any course may be taken a number of times so long as there is a different letter designation each time it is taken. Specific titles and course descriptions for special topics courses are available in the online class schedule.
View Course Offering(s):
Summer I 2025
Summer II 2025
Summer III 2025
Fall 2025
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