This course provides an overview of theory and research related to the role of the media in promoting public health efforts and advances. The course reviews theories of health behavior change and message effects, and discusses applications of these theories to media-based health initiatives. Through the course, the students will examine the interplay among theory, research and practice and further discuss how theory informs practice and how research aids in theory construction and refinement.

Upon the successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Compare major health communication and media effect theories and models.
• Explain the mechanisms through which media messages affect health behaviors.
• Apply theory and research findings in health communication to practical health concerns.
• Critique mediated health campaigns through the application of course theories and tools.
• Redesign a mediated health campaign that reflects theory-driven communication messages.