Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - HSCI 340 D100

Social Determinants of Health (3)

Class Number: 11315

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2018
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units and two HSCI 200-level courses, one of which may be taken concurrently.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Social determinants of health and health inequities. Explores how and why the social advantages and disadvantages that people experience - based on their social position(s) and social circumstances - determine their health status and overall well-being.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this class, we will explore social determinants of health and health inequities. Utilizing a social model of health, we will examine how and why the social advantages and disadvantages that people experience based on their social position(s) and social circumstances determine their health status and overall well-being. Key social determinants of health to be covered include: social class and income inequality, early childhood development & education, ethnicity, culture, and racialization, Canada’s Aboriginal peoples and health, disabilities, gender and sexuality. Students will be challenged to critically evaluate evidence and develop better understandings regarding social determinants of health, health inequities, and policy solutions.

TEACHING FORMAT: One weekly three-hour class that will include lecture, discussion, in-class group work, exercises, and electronic media presentations. Students are expected to come to class prepared, having done the assigned readings.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The instructor may change the syllabus if necessary, within Faculty/University regulations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Evaluate several major social determinants of health in human populations;
  2. Evaluate theoretical frameworks that explain how social advantages and disadvantages influence health and illness;
  3. Describe and interpret different types of evidence on social determinants of health and health inequities;
  4. Define and explain key theoretical concepts for understanding social determinants of health;
  5. Explain salient mechanisms and pathways through which social determinants influence the health of populations and result in health inequities;
  6. Describe local, provincial, and national policy solutions aimed at improving the social determinants of health and reducing health inequities.

Grading

  • Participation & Team Based Learning 20%
  • Mid-Term Exam 20%
  • PhotoVoice Project 25%
  • Final Exam 25%
  • Social Inequities and Health Toolbox 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  1. Germov, J., & Hornosty, J. (Eds.). (2016). Second Opinion: An Introduction to Health Sociology, Second Canadian Edition. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.
  2. Other required readings, include book chapters, journal articles, websites, and policy reports. These will be available electronically through CANVAS or SFU Library.

ISBN: 978-0195431988

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