INTHE4118 – Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

Course content

Reproductive health is a well defined and not too controversial concept.
Reproductive rights may not be, as it implies abortion rights, which for some is very complicated. Sexual health is probably easy as long as it only applies to sexually transmitted diseases, but sexual rights, again, may incorporate sexual behaviours that in some settings are seen as very deviant. The course explores why reproductive and sexual health rights are so complicated to implement, and addresses the controversies as well as the very serious health consequences of these restrictions. A gender perspective is the overriding principle for the analysis.Taking a global perspective means we will work with cases from both low- middle and high income countries.

Content

  • Definitions and concepts 
  • Social determinants of health and illness, inequities in health
  • Human Rights and Reproductive Justice framework 
  • Health systems Governance and quality of care
  • Advocacy and research in SRHR

Learning outcome

Knowledge
At the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the central concepts in Reproductive Health and Rights
  • Illustrate the relationship between the social determinants of health, health inequity and social injustice in the context of Reproductive Health and Rights
  • Recognize and describe political, social and cultural aspects related to reproductive –health and rights

Skills
You will learn to:

  • Map and assess global actors’ roles, efforts and challenges in ensuring equity in access to Reproductive healthcare services 
  • Critically analyze the relationship between health systems, governance and quality of reproductive health care.
  • Develop an analytical framework and a methodological, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the gender, legal and health dimensions in human rights.
  • Appraise global challenges related to reproductive health and rights and identify opportunities for advocacy and research 

General competence
You will be able to:

  • Engage effectively in debates on health policies issues relevant to reproductive health and rights.
  • Identify human rights issues that can be subject to research for policy change 

Admission

Students enrolled at the master programme in International Community HealthTverrfaglig helseforskning or Folkehelsevitenskap og epidemiologi will get priority to the course, if they register in Studentweb before 10 January. The latest deadline to register and apply for the course in Studentweb is February 1.

Students enrolled in other master’s programmes at the UIO can, on application before 10 January via our application form, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme. We prioritize students at other programmes at the Institute and Faculty. You will get an answer latest 20 January.

External applicants, not already enrolled as a student at UIO, are welcome to apply via our application form before 10 January with all relevant documents. Applicants who have not attached all the necessary documents will not get admission. You will need to document 1) upper secondary education, 2) higher education and 3) English language proficiency. Please see the form for more information. You would also need a specialization either within health sciences or social sciences. You will get an answer latest 20 January.

Teaching

The course consists of lectures and seminars/small group work. In the seminars, the students do exercises and assignments related to the course. 80% attendance in the seminars/ group work is required to be eligible to take the exam. Attendance will be registered.

Examination

The exam will be a home exam in the form of an essay.

Submit assignments in Inspera

You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit your assignment.

Use of sources and citation

You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Explanations and appeals

Resit an examination

Special examination arrangements

Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.

Facts about this course

Credits
5
Level
Master
Teaching
Every other spring starting 2009

From 2018 every year ending on with an even number.

Examination
Every other spring starting 2009

From 2018 every year ending on with an even number.

Teaching language
English