Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Decolonizing Theory and Methods in African/​Black Health Research

Course Description

This course will provide students with critical understandings in relation to the main theories and methods utilized to conduct health research and their applicability/appropriateness for research with African/Black populations and communities. Additionally, this course will examine innovative de-colonizing practices in Black health research within Canada and transnationally.

Course Objectives

Students completing this course will be able to demonstrate:

1. African ways of knowing in research and consciousness raising to critically understand the importance of resisting Eurocentric ways of knowing when doing research with African/Black populations;
2. In-depth knowledge of some of the main theories and methods used to conduct health research with intersectional Black populations;
3. Ground-breaking de-colonizing practices in Black public health research within Canada and transnationally;
4. Critical understanding on anti-Black racism and colonialism and the impact of resistance centred methodology on the health of African/Black populations from an intersectional, anti-racist, anti-oppression, anti-colonial framework;
5. Knowledge of key issues related to decolonization and the health of African/Black populations;
6. Experience working with a decolonizing method for research with African/Black populations;
7. The ability to connect the social historical context with current realities of Black public health in relation to decolonization;
8. Learn to engage creatively and critically with decolonizing methodologies in Black public

Method of Assessment

Research Presentation Skills (45%) Research Presentations and Facilitations Research Symposium Presentation	25% 20%
Written Assignments (45%) Reflective Paper Mini Research Proposal Final Research Paper	5% 15% 25%
Participation	10%