Updated 08.31.

21 For internal use only; DO NOT CIRCULATE

UNAS1702.01/ECON1702.01
Life, Liberty & Health: The Economics, Policy and Law of Healthcare
Fall 2021

1) Lecture: Tues. and Thurs. 3-4:15pm (Gasson 305)

Instructors
Prof. Mary Ann Chirba, J.D., D.Sc., and M.P.H. Email: maryann.chirba@bc.edu
Office: Law School, East Wing 415 Phone: 617.552.4381
Office hours: Begin 09.21.21, Tues. and Thurs. noon-1pm, by email appointment.

Prof. Tracy L. Regan, Ph.D. Email: tracy.regan@bc.edu

Office: Maloney 320 Phone: 617-552-2339 or 3679
Office hours: Wed. noon-2pm, and by email appointment (provide at least 24 hours’
notice). Please sign-up using the Google Sheet (as found on the syllabus page of Canvas)
and indicate if you would like to meet in-person (masks politely requested to be worn) or
via Zoom.

2) Labs:
UNAS1702.02, Mon. 9-10:50am (Carney 302)
UNAS1702.03, Mon. 11:30am-1:20pm (Carney 302)
UNAS170204, Wed. 9-10:50am (Carney 302)
UNAS170205, Wed. 11:30am-1:20pm (Carney 302)

Core Fellow
Prof. (Megan) Tara Casebolt, Ph.D., M.S.W., and M.P.H.
Office: Stokes 254S Phone: 617-552-3315
Office hours: Tues. 10am-noon and Thurs. noon-2pm

3) Reflection Sessions: Tues. 6-7:25pm

UNAS1702.06 (Gasson 210): Jane, Emily, and Evamarie
UNAS1702.07 (Stokes 133S): Madeline (Maddy) and Joanna
UNAS1702.08 (O’Neill 257): Madison and Iria
UNAS1702.09 (Carney 7): Amy and Hannah
UNAS1702.10 (O’Neill 247): Liam and Julia

POD (Purposeful Ongoing Discussion) Leaders

Joanne Choe: choejh@bc.edu
Evamarie Gray: grayei@bc.edu
Hannah LeBeau: lebeauha@bc.edu
Liam Murphy: murpasz@bc.edu
Jane Rasweiler: rasweile@bc.edu
Henry Sun: sundx@bc.edu
Madeline Duncan: duncanmc@bc.edu
Iria Gutierrez-Schieferl: gutierir@bc.edu
Emily Mahland: mahland@bc.edu
Julia Natale: nataleju@bc.edu
Madison Sarka: sarkam@bc.edu
Amy Thomson: thomsoam@bc.edu

Course Description: Recently, health has become a central focus of political

infighting, public discord, and personal worry. Health care and health insurance
now dominate everything from think tanks to Jimmy Kimmel Live! Meanwhile,

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concussions go up, NFL ratings go down, drug prices soar and opioid abuse
damages individuals, families, the health care system and the economy. Such
complex issues are best understood through interdisciplinary study. This course
will introduce basic principles of economics, law, and public policy through the
lens of contemporary problems involving enduring questions of government
authority and individual autonomy, morality and ethics, social justice and human
rights.

Learning Goals: Students will study basic principles of microeconomics and law
through the lens of health care. Students will be familiarized with the basics of
the American health care system and introduced to current events in the field.
Students will debate, at a minimum, whether health care is a private or public
good, the GOP’s efforts to “replace and repeal” the Affordable Care Act, and the
pros and cons of the American health care system relative to other developed
nation’s means of insuring and caring for their population. Upon completion of
the course, students will be able to speak factually, with opinions formed by an
economic and legal analysis, of the health care problems and issues of today.

Learning Outcomes: As per the 2014 Vision Animating the Boston College Core
Curriculum, students will: 1) demonstrate the critical, mathematical,
informational, analytic, expressive, and creative skills that are essential tools of
the educated person well-prepared for a meaningful life and vocation; 2)
understand the major ideas and methods of inquiry of the scholarly disciplines
that comprise the university and be able to use those methods of inquiry as
beginning practitioners to address complex contemporary problems; 3) be able to
identify and articulate the strengths and limitations of the disciplines and the
relationship of the disciplines to one another, and demonstrate an understanding
of the breadth and diversity of human knowledge as well as its openness to
integration in more comprehensive wholes; 4) be conversant with and able to
discuss intelligently enduring questions and issues that are fundamental to human
inquiry and that have shaped the traditions from which the university has
emerged; 5) demonstrate the ability to apply more than one disciplinary
perspective to the same enduring question or complex contemporary problem; and
6) be prepared and disposed to use their talents and education as engaged global
citizens and responsible leaders in service of the common good.

Cultural Diversity, Engaging Difference & Justice: As per Boston College’s

reevaluation of the Cultural Diversity Core, this course will satisfy the Cultural
Diversity Core through the pathway of Engaging Difference & Justice in the
satisfaction of the following goals. As such, students will: 1) reflect on the
importance of community, shared values, inclusion, and solidarity at all levels of
social connection—from the familial to the global; 2) engage critically with past
and present instances of injustice (e.g., complex issues concerning race, class,
gender, sexuality, dis/ability, religion, and other socio-cultural categories
explored); 3) imagine how to flourish in communities in ways that evaluate and
embrace difference and overcome injustice by becoming engaged global citizens
in service of, and in care for, our common home; and 4) explore the conditions

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that need to exist, and how to create those conditions, for all of society’s members
to live fully human lives of freedom and integrity.

Required materials: There are several materials required for class:

1) Course packet. A bound, partially complete set of course notes will soon be
available for purchase at the BC bookstore (~$25). Students are expected to bring
these to class and to complete them based on the lecture slides;
2) Please sign-up for a free subscription to the New York Times, courtesy of the
BC Library (https://libguides.bc.edu/nyt/access);
3) One of the following books: P. Radden Keefe’s Empire of Pain or S.
Quinnones’ Dreamland;
4) One of the following books: M. Pollan’s Omnivore’s Dilemma or M. Moss’s
Salt Sugar Fat;
5) One of the following books: P. Kalanithi’s When Breath Becomes Air or A.
Gawande’s Being Mortal.
Most/all of the books can be purchased/rented at the bookstore, on Amazon (as an
e-book), or are available through the BC Library. Please see Canvas’s Library
Resources and Course Reserves tab for more information. Course Reserves are
also available via the Library’s website (https://libguides.bc.edu/course-reserves-
oneill). Please remember that interlibrary loan is a great option for renting (extra)
copies of books for free that the library either doesn’t stock or makes available but
that are currently in use by another individual. Directions for remotely accessing
the library’s materials are provided below.

Canvas Learning Management System: Canvas will be used extensively to post class
announcements, gain access to grades, download/print course documents and
materials, etc. Canvas can be accessed via the BC Agora Portal or at
https://bostoncollege.instructure.com. Information about Canvas can be learned
by watching the various tutorials and reading the FAQs. It is your responsibility
to check this system periodically and to arrive to class prepared and informed.
Please ensure that your preferred email is registered with this system. A free
smartphone and tablet app are available for download to access to
announcements, upcoming assignments, etc.

Zoom: Zoom will be throughout the semester as needed. As a BC student, you have
access to an account that can be accessed at https://bccte.zoom.us/

Recording of Lectures: This class will be recorded by the instructors to assist students
enrolled in the class who miss any sessions due to an excused absence (e.g.,
Covid-19, quarantine). If a student does fall ill/needs to quarantine/etc. please
contact the Professors as soon as possible. Documentation may be required to
excuse the absence. All recordings will be stored within the Canvas site and will
only be available for viewing by members of this course whose absence is
excused. Students may not record/stream video or audio, or take photos in the
classroom, or share portions of any recorded video or audio of the class with

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anyone outside the class except with the written permission of the instructor and
such other permissions as may be required by law or University policies.

Google Drive: As a BC student, you have access to a Google Drive. If you plan to store
and share files here, please ensure that the settings allow “editing” capabilities so
that the various files can be downloaded, viewed, etc. as needed. The Professors
will also use a Google Drive in conjunction with Canvas as well.

Class Attendance: Class attendance is essential for successful completion of this course.
Arriving at class prepared, on time, and focused, along with active participation
during the lectures and class discussions is important to fully appreciate the
course. Most/all of the material covered in class is not readily available in a
textbook nor online. Do not allow yourself to get behind. If the student misses a
lecture, it is their responsibility to get the lecture notes from a classmate; the
Professors will not make the lecture notes available. Moreover, please do not
attempt to copy a classmate’s previous notes during the lecture when the student
returns.

Due to the unique circumstances surrounding Covid-19, if a student is ill, tests

positive, has to quarantine, etc. please contact the Professors so short-term
arrangements can be made that will grant the student access to recordings of the
course lectures.

Classroom Conduct: Students are expected and required to maintain a professional and
pleasant environment that facilitates learning and class discussion. Please be
respectful of opinions posed by your classmates and give them, and the
Professors, your full attention. Any disrespectful, disruptive, or otherwise
unbecoming behavior will result in a verbal warning. If such behaviors continue
the student will be issued a written notice. Upon the third violation the student
will be subject to disciplinary action. Students are encouraged and expected to:
1. Arrive on time, prepared, focused and ready to learn. Do not leave early
(except for a legitimate/valid reason).
2. To the extent possible, please (re)fill water bottles, use the restroom, etc.
before class begins.
3. Be courteous to the Professors and to fellow peers.
4. Do not talk while Professors or another student is talking.
5. Silence/turn off and put away all cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc.
6. Earbuds/headphones are not allowed.
7. No recording/imaging devices (e.g., cameras) are ever allowed. In
Massachusetts, it is illegal to videotape with sound another party without their
consent (https://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/massachusetts-recording-law).
Please also see the university statute, Chapter II, Section 5
(https://www.bc.edu/offices/bylaws/statutes.html).
8. Maintain maturity and professionalism.
9. Actively participate in class activities, discussions, and visits with guest
speakers.

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10. Attend weekly labs and reflection sessions and participate to the full extent.

Grading Policy: Each student’s course grade will be determined on the basis of the
student’s homework assignments; labs; reflection sessions; and take-home
midterm and final exam.

Homework Assignments 20%

Labs 20%
Reflection sessions 20%
Midterm (take-home) 20%
Final exam (take-home) 20%

Homework Assignments (HW): Homework assignments will be posted on Canvas

throughout the semester and count for 20 percent of the course grade. The format
will vary but will likely include graphical exercises, essays, opinion pieces,
responses to assigned readings/books/podcasts, etc.

Labs: Twenty percent of the course grade will be determined by the student’s attendance
and participation during the labs. Prof. Tara will conduct all labs.

Reflection Sessions (RS): Twenty percent of the course grade will be determined by the
student’s attendance and meaningful engagement/participation during the
discussion sections. You will be required to maintain a journal throughout the
semester; essay prompts will be provided. The POD leaders will conduct the RS
in pairs/trios. There will likely be a couple of joint RS throughout the semester as
well; details will be announced later.

Midterm: The take-home midterm will occur in late Oct./early Nov. and students will
have one week to complete the exam. The format will be announced along with
the due-dates later in the semester. The midterm will count for 20 percent of the
student’s grade.

Final: The take-home final exam will occur during the university’s designated final exam
period. Students will be given a week to complete the exam and it will be due on
the university-determined date. The final exam will count for 20 percent of the
student’s grade.

Grader(s): The HW and exams will be graded jointly by the Professor and the grader(s).

Grade Appeals: If you believe that a mistake has been made in the grading of one of the
assignments, you should email your Professors by the end of the day (i.e.
11:59pm, EST) in which the grade is viewable/announced. No appeals will be
considered after this time. The email must detail the reason for the appeal.
Appeals can result in your grade being raised or lowered.

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Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty is not tolerated in any form. Please see the
university’s policies and procedures regarding academic integrity:
https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/academics/sites/university-catalog/policies-
procedures.html#academic_integrity_policies

Intellectual Property: Please note that all the course materials are copyrighted and
considered the intellectual property of the Professors. Thus, the reproduction,
reposting, etc. of any materials without the explicit permission of the Professors is
forbidden.

Dropping the Course: Classes can be dropped/added online using Eagle Apps until
Sept. 8, 2021. The last day to drop/add or pass/fail a course in the Associate
Dean’s office is Oct. 1, 2021. Official withdrawals from courses must be
completed by Nov. 29, 2021.

Office Hours Format: Please email/schedule appointments for Professors’ office hours
(OH). You are welcome to join the Professors’ OH with content-related
questions, to introduce yourself, to talk etc. Please do not text nor take photos
during OH.

Steps to Success: Should you have any questions, concerns, etc. throughout the semester
please take these steps in answering/addressing/remedying them:
1. Consult the syllabus.
2. Check your email and Canvas for announcements, deadlines, dates, etc.
3. Consult your class notes.
4. Ask a classmate.
5. Ask your POD leaders.
6. Email Professors with (content-related) questions.

Suggestions for Success: While the material presented will be contemporary and
complex, it is the Professors’ hope that each student succeeds in class. Students
who put forth the effort and work, will learn a great deal. Here are some
suggestions for success:
1. Arrive to class prepared to learn and having completed any assignments.
2. Attend class, actively participate in discussions, and stay focused.
3. Take notes and be attentive during class.
4. Complete homework assignments and start them in a timely manner.
5. Ask questions.
6. Visit office hours.
7. Do not get behind.
8. Stay positive.

Special Needs and Disabilities: If you anticipate barriers related to the format or
requirements of this course, please contact me as soon as possible so that we can
discuss ways to best to coordinate your accommodations. If you determine that
disability-related arrangements are necessary, please contact Rory Stein, Assistant

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Dean for Students with Disabilities (617.552.3470, rory.stein@bc.edu,

disabilityservices@bc.edu, http://www.bc.edu/offices/dos/disabilityservices.html).
The Connors Family Learning Center also provides services and support for
students with such needs. Please contact Kathy Duggan (617.552.8093,
dugganka@bc.edu, http://www.bc.edu/libraries/help/tutoring.html).
Student Athletes: If you are a student athlete, please provide me as soon possible with
the appropriate documentation and contact information for your coaches and your
travel/game schedule. I will work with the Athletic Department and your coaches
to help accommodate your travel and practices.

Earbuds/Headphones, Laptops, Cell/Smart Phones, Tablets, and other

Recording/Imaging Devices: Please refrain from using any of these devices
during class. If you need the assistance of an electronic device to take notes,
however, please see Professors to discuss further; Professors are happy to make
individual exceptions based on learning needs. Your cooperation is required and
appreciated.

Remote Access to Library Resources Off-Campus: Please see

https://libguides.bc.edu/remote.

Financial Assistance: If any of the materials required (or recommended) for class pose a
financial hardship, please contact Professors.

Questions from the Syllabus, Class Announcements, etc.: Should any of the questions
posed in emails be answered by reviewing the syllabus, you will either receive a
reply stating, “Please see syllabus.” Similarly, if any of the questions posed in
emails be answered by re-reading the Canvas announcements, you will receive a
reply stating, “Please see Canvas announcements.”

Note: Pareto Superior changes in course policies, etc. may be made at the Professors’
discretion.

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WEEK 1
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH CARE
08.30 M Labs begin
08.31 T WELCOME
RS RS cancelled
09.01 W Labs begin
09.02 Th I INTRO to HEALTH CARE & II TERMS
WEEK 2
INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH ECONOMICS
09.07 T III INTRO TO HEALTH ECON & IV DEMAND, SUPPLY, AND (DIS)EQUILIBRIUM
RS RS begin meeting; 6-7:25pm
09.09 Th IV CONT’D AND V EXTERNALITIES
WEEK 3
INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH LAW
09.14 T VI INTRO TO HEALTH LAW
09.16 Th VI CONT’D
09.19 Sun RE1 due (Lab)
WEEK 4
HEALTH INSURANCE
09.21 T VII HEALTH INSURANCE
START READING BOOK #1 (EMPIRE OF PAIN OR DREAMLAND)
09.23 Th VI CONT’D
WEEK 5
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
09.28 T VII ACA
09.30 Th VII CONT’D
10.03 Sun RE2 due (Lab)
WEEK 6
PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY
10.05 T IX PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY
10.07 Th IX CONT’D
WEEK 7
EPIDEMIC #1
10.12 T NO CLASS – PRETEND MONDAY
RS RS cancelled
10.14 Th. X VAPING
START READING BOOK #2 (OMNIVORE’S DILEMMA OR SALT SUGAR FAT)
WEEK 8
EPIDEMIC #2 & COMPLEMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
10.19 T XI OPIOIDS
BOOK #1 (EMPIRE OF PAIN OR DREAMLAND) due
RS Joint RS
10.21 Th XII CAM
10.24 Sun RE3 due (Lab)
WEEK 9
VACCINES AND HESITATNCY & ACCESS TO CARE
10.26 T XIII VACCINES AND HESITATNCY
MIDTERM—TAKE HOME ESSAYS ASSIGNED, due 11.02
10.28 Th XIV ACCESS TO CARE
WEEK 10
ELECTION DAY & EPIDEMIC #3
11.02 T ELECTION DAY
MIDTERM DUE
START READING BOOK #3 (BEING MORTAL OR WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR)
11.02 Th XV GUN VIOLENCE
WEEK 11
EPIDEMIC #4
11.09 T XV.5 OBESITY
BOOK #2 (OMNIVORE’S DILEMMA OR SALT SUGAR FAT) due
11.11 Th XV.5 CONT’D
11.14 Sun RE4 due (Lab)
WEEK 12
EPIDEMIC #5
11.16 T GUEST SPEAKER: DR. JON CHERRY
RS Joint RS
11.18 Th XVI CTE
WEEK 13
DEATH, DYING, AND LIVING
11.23 T XVII DEATH, DYING, AND LIVING
RS RS cancelled
11.25 Th THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY—NO CLASS
WEEK 14
DEATH, DYING, AND LIVING CONT’D & HEALTH INEQUITY BASED ON IDENTITY
11.30 T GUEST SPEAKER—TBA
BOOK #3 (BEING MORTAL OR WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR) due
12.02 Th XVIII INEQUITY AND IDENTITY
12.05 Sun RE5 due (Lab)
WEEK 15
THE UNISURED & ACA UPDATES AND CHALLENGES
12.07 T XIX UNINSURED
RS Joint RS
12.09 Th XX ACA UPDATES AND CHALLENGES
FINAL EXAM TAKE-HOME ESSAY ASSIGNED
WEEK 16
 FINALS WEEK
12.17 F FINAL EXAM DUE