Course description
In a world shaped by accelerating climate change, political instability and social fragmentation, understanding human movement and connection has never been more urgent. This course invites students to consider not only why populations migrate, but also how individuals sustain their physical and mental health in the context of uncertainty, sedentary lifestyles and social media. At its core, the course argues that kindness, connection and informed action are essential tools for navigating an increasingly complex world.

Students will explore human movement at multiple scales, from global migration flows to the beating of the human heart. The course introduces the drivers of mobility, including forced displacement due to war and climate-related hazards. It also encourages critical reflection on “natural” disasters, exploring how settlement patterns and environmental degradation shape risk and vulnerability. Alongside these global perspectives, the course turns inwards to consider the human body in motion. It draws on the principles of lifestyle medicine - particularly physical activity, stress management and human connection - to understand how individuals can optimise their health and resilience. An introduction to environment-related illnesses and basic life support will provide accessible entry points into applied clinical knowledge, reinforcing the course’s interdisciplinary approach.
Learning will take place through interactive sessions that combine lectures, workshops, guided discussions, and problem-based learning. A flipped-classroom approach will allow class time to focus on applying concepts, asking questions, and debating ideas through structured activities. Students will be encouraged to contribute their own experiences and cultural perspectives, learning from peers in a supportive environment where viewpoints are shared, challenged, and refined.

Co-curricular activities will deepen learning through direct engagement with Venice as a living context for health and society. Students will visit The Human Safety Net exhibition at the Procuratie building to explore initiatives that support and empower refugees, developing empathy alongside analytical insight into how social systems shape wellbeing. A city-wide scavenger hunt using the Health Venice app will introduce students to the location of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and the wider geography of community health resources, blending physical exploration with practical, place-based knowledge. Students will also take part in a guided visit to Venice’s Natural History Museum, which will provide a broader anthropological and ecological perspective and help connect human health to environmental systems.

The course equips students to grapple with emerging global challenges, from food insecurity and protracted conflicts to the mental health implications of social isolation. By examining innovative responses and ongoing debates, students will gain the tools to think critically about the future and their role within it. The course aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health and wellbeing, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, climate action and global partnerships. Ultimately, students will leave with a deeper understanding of human movement, a strengthened sense of global citizenship and the capacity to contribute thoughtfully to more connected, curious and compassionate communities.

 Last updated: March 26, 2026