M471. Improving Worker Health: Social Movements, Policy Debates, and Public Health

Units: 4

(Same as Community Health Sciences CM470 and Urban Planning M470.) Lecture, three hours; fieldwork, two hours. Examination of intersection between work, health, and environment, analysis of social causes of health disparities, investigation of historical trends and social movements, interpretation of current policy debates, and development of innovative interventions. S/U or letter grading.

Community Scholars Program

Through Community Scholars, hundreds of students and community leaders have come together to tackle pressing issues facing Los Angeles. One class’ research on “green jobs” led the city of Los Angeles to pass an ordinance that created the Los Angeles Green Retrofit and Workforce program to retrofit buildings across the city while creating good jobs. Another class led to a multi-union organizing effort on Los Angeles manufacturing. Many prominent institutions and resources also emerged from the program, including the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) and Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE).

Students in the course develop concrete planning and project management skills, and expand their professional network by working closely with city and community leaders.

In 2015, the program focused on immigrant integration in Los Angeles, sparked by the recent increase in families and unaccompanied children arriving from Central America. Participating organizations include:

  • Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
  • Central American Resource Center (CARECEN)
  • National Immigration Law Center
  • Asian Americans Advancing Justice
  • California Immigrant Policy Center
  • UNITE HERE
  • SEIU USWW
  • Miguel Contreras Foundation
  • Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs
  • LAUSD, Council District 1

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