ENACT: The Educational Network for Active Civic Transformation

Legislation for Change: Research, Policy, and Social Determinants of Health (LGLS121a)

Taught by ENACT Assistant Director of Research Charlotte Powley

New this fall, ENACT course “Legislation for Change: Research, Policy, and Social Determinants of Health” (LGLS121a) will be offered by ENACT Assistant Director of Research Charlotte Powley Mondays and Wednesdays 4:05-5:25pm.

This course examines state, local, and federal level policy making and reform through exploration of the five domains of the social determinants of health (SDOH). Students will research how to write a policy that relates to at least one of the following SDOH domains: 1) economic stability, 2) social and community context, 3) healthcare access and quality, 4) education access and quality, and 5) neighborhood and built environment. For example, a student might explore universal basic income as a policy to support economic stability and examine how this type of policy can impact the health of individuals and communities.

This course encourages students to cultivate their research skills for the purposes of creating evidence based policies. Students are also asked to utilize their advocacy and communication skills by engaging in productive civil discourse surrounding their chosen policy. The final assignment for the course asks students to write a piece of legislation based on their work throughout the semester. This course is part of the ENACT network.

Note: The DEIS-US and DJW committee approved this course for the DEIS-US designation.

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Gender, Justice, and Legislation (LGLS 118a)

Taught by ENACT Assistant Director of Research Charlotte Powley

Gender equity can be defined as equal access to resources and opportunities for any and all genders. This class explores both legislation and the implementation of legislation that impacts historically and presently marginalized gender identities. The course utilizes an intersectional lens to explore the experiences of marginalized gender identities, as we know systems of oppression intertwine to inform the unique lived experiences of different individuals and groups.

This course emphasizes an exploration of both legislation itself but also the on-the-ground implementation of policy. For example, the passage of local or state policy that strives towards gender equity and justice is an exciting achievement; however, the implementation of that policy is an art and science unto itself. In this class, you will hear from activists, educators, and other stakeholders who are tasked with the implementation of policies that are intended to benefit those of marginalized gender identities. Usually offered every second year.

Advocacy for Policy Change (LGLS 161b)

Taught by ENACT Director Melissa Stimell

“Advocacy for Policy Change” (LGLS 161b), a Legal Studies course introduced in spring 2010, serves as the academic centerpiece of the ENACT program. Developed and taught by Melissa Stimell, Director of the ENACT, the course combines an investigation of the ethical dilemmas that arise in the process of lawmaking with hands-on advocacy work with entities seeking to reform laws or to propose new ones. The course concludes with “Present and Defend,” a major event for the Brandeis community at which the issues are presented and debated by the students. Usually offered every year.