Summer 2022 - HSCI 481 D100

Senior Seminar in Social Health Science (3)

Class Number: 2053

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Jun 20, 2022: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    May 10 – Jun 20, 2022: Thu, 8:30–11:20 a.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:

An in-depth overview of the sociocultural, epidemiological, and policy aspects of population and public health. May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

It has become increasingly clear that the decisions made by industries and corporations from a range of sectors – including tobacco, alcohol, food, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, social media, and more – have a significant impact on populations’ physical and mental health. These commercial determinants of health heavily impact a wide range of health outcomes including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular health, cancer, depression, and more.. How did corporations come to hold so much influence over our collective health? Why do evidence-based policies to curb that influence often fail to materialize? And what more can be done?

Through in-depth interdisciplinary investigations of selected industries, products, and practices, the course will teach students to analyze the changing pathways and mechanisms by which corporate practices influence the health of individuals and populations, both in Canada and globally. It will also consider the roles of governance, democratic principles, the public health community, and civil society in efforts to control harmful practices.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Define the key concepts of the commercial determinants and illustrate how they influence population health outcomes;
  • Explain theoretical frameworks that have been applied to examine the relationships between corporations, policy outcomes, and health;
  • Critically examine corporations as a determinant of health and situate corporations in relation to other determinants of health;
  • Understand the methods through which many health-harming corporations exhibit their power
  • Conduct an analysis of a health program, policy or research topic in relation to the commercial determinants of health, and make recommendations for future initiatives related to the topic area; and
  • Recognize the influence of corporations in their lives and the lives of others

Grading

  • Reading summaries/reflections 20%
  • Facilitated Discussion (no Powerpoints allowed) 20%
  • Policy Brief 15%
  • Final Paper 25%
  • Participation 20%

NOTES:

This will be an interactive seminar where preparation and participation is essential to the success of the course. The course will include lectures, guest presentations, short films and classroom activities, with discussion a part of all of these activities. Students will be expected to share their written work with their peers and will take leadership roles in the course delivery. 


NOTE: Homework assignments will be due on Mondays before seminar to enable preparation for each seminar.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Original articles will be assigned each week (all available online through SFU Library system).

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 SUMMER 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

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, online, or blended courses 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 summer 2022 term.