This dissertation is comprised of three separate manuscripts. Each manuscript concerns questions of social structure in relation to health, morbidity, and mortality. The first examines the epidemiologic theories taught most frequently in core master of public health coursework and proposes curricular changes to better engage with the structural determinants of health. The second provides a broad outline of one structural epidemiologic theory-political economy of health theory-for a public health audience. The third proposes a framework for 'structurally competent' global health pedagogy by defining and describing individual competencies. Together, these manuscripts seek to contribute to structural approaches to public health theory and pedagogy. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]