Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - HSCI 214 D100

Perspectives on Mental Health and Illness (3)

Class Number: 6227

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2018
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 100 or BISC 101, HSCI 130.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary overview of mental health and mental illness among populations. A review of the distribution and risk factors of mental illnesses as well as the historical and cultural context of their development.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of mental health, mental illness, and substance use. The concepts of mental health and illness will be explored from different perspectives –historical, biological, sociological, and epidemiological-, with a focus on the population level. Distribution patterns, risk factors, organization of health systems, and societal efforts toward prevention and treatment will also be reviewed, with the goal of providing tools to understand the most relevant aspects of mental health both in Canada and globally.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1.            To develop a better understanding of the broad range of perspectives (e.g., biological, psychological, sociological, historical, political) applied to explain mental health, mental illness, substance use, substance use disorder, and addiction. 2.            To demonstrate knowledge of the prevalence and distribution of mental disorders and substance use disorders amongst the population.
3.            To gain a better understanding of prominent risk factors for mental disorder and harmful substance use and preventive strategies to decrease risk throughout the life course.
4.            To gain an understanding of common mental health issues and challenges that arise during the life course and public health approaches to promote mental health amongst the population.
5.            To develop an understanding of the structure and organization of public services, policies and supports (including healthcare services, social services, and legislation) that exist globally to address mental illness and substance use disorder.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 20%
  • Written Assignment 20%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 35%

NOTES:

There will be a 3-hour lecture per week plus one 50-minute tutorial per week.
The instructor may make changes to the syllabus if necessary, within Faculty/University regulations.
Besides the texbook, selected additional readings will be indicated in class and in the syllabus.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

I-clicker

REQUIRED READING:

Goldner EM, Jenkins E, Bilsker D. A Concise Introduction to Mental Health in Canada. 2nd Edition Canadian Scholars Press Inc. Toronto, 2016.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Additional bibliography will be provided with the syllabus

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS