Gun violence is a public health crisis in the U.S. that disproportionately affects communities of color. Why is this, what can be done, and how will we know whether efforts are working? This community-partnered course brings students to the frontlines of efforts to prevent gun violence and address its traumatic aftermath. We will focus on the case study of Massachusetts, where firearm death rates are low overall, but racial and ethnic disparities are vast. The course will review the epidemiology of gun violence and its legal and structural underpinnings, including segregation, disinvestment, and mass incarceration. Students will hear directly from community organizations who are working to improve services for the individuals and families most exposed to gun violence. Along the way, students will gain a critical understanding of the study designs that inform our current scientific knowledge on community gun violence interventions, including methodological skills in causal inference and quantitative program evaluation (no prior background required). For their final deliverable, students will partner with a community-based organization on a research proposal, data analysis, or other product that will advance the organization’s mission and prepare the students for community-engaged public health work.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.