Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - HSCI 485 D100

Senior Seminar in Mental Health and Addictions (3)

Class Number: 5809

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    90 units, including at least 15 upper division HSCI units with a minimum grade of C-. Other prerequisites may vary according to topic.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Treatment of current issues in mental health and addictions from a population and public health perspective. Students will examine several topics from theoretical, methodological and policy perspectives.

COURSE DETAILS:

This seminar will examine substance use, addiction, and mental health through a public health lens. This course will provide students with the foundation and tools to understand and assess the intersecting and multidimensional behavioral, political, and socio-structural aspects of mental health and addictions of vulnerable populations. Topics will include but are not limited to: models of addiction, treatment approaches, barriers to accessing mental health care, people who use unregulated drugs, drug use and the social determinants of health, harm reduction, person-first language, perspectives from people with lived experience, stigmatization, and the interaction between addiction, mental health, and society.

During each three-hour weekly seminar we will work through: 1) research-based content overviews; 2) required readings related to course content; and 3) current news events pertaining to a wide range of topics related to mental health and addictions. The course material will be presented using a combination of lectures, self-reflective exercises, and guest lectures.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing this seminar, you will be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate how socio-structural, political, and cultural factors have shaped substance use and how we as a society view it;
  2. Incorporate person-first language when discussing substance use and mental health;
  3. Find, critically appraise, and synthesize health research articles;
  4. Source and present evidence-based research in discussions and presentations; and
  5. Identify barriers to accessing mental health and substance use interventions and be able to discuss what approaches can be implemented to remove those barriers.

Grading

  • Weekly reflection on class readings 20%
  • News article analysis 30%
  • Final group presentation 40%
  • Engagement in class conversations 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Readings will be provided via Canvas at the beginning of term; there is no required text.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.