Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - HSCI 345 D100

Texts, Two-Fours and Tattoos...and Other Health Issues of the Tweens to Twenties (3)

Class Number: 5643

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2023
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units. HSCI 130 strongly recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course is an investigation of some of the health issues facing adolescents, in Canada and in other international contexts. We will review the health status of adolescents using a range of indicators and consider how gender, ethnicity, socio-economic position, sexual identity, immigrant status and disability influence adolescent health. Students will explore theoretical approaches used in adolescent health research and we will discuss programs and policies that could promote adolescent and prevent morbidity and mortality in adolescence and throughout the lifecourse. Topics will include eating, eating disorders and obesity; physical activity and inactivity; tobacco, drugs and alcohol; stress, suicide and mental health; sleep; sexual health; bullying and violence; and employment This course will provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their adolescence and personal experience with particular health issues and situate their personal experience in relation to the published research literature. Students with credit for HSCI 471 (2007) and HSCI 472 (2009) may not complete this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The term, the course format includes a lecture component and a range of "in class" activities that are designed to enable you to talk to your peers about these issues. Some of these activities will occur in a variety of locations across campus. We will utilize our Canvas shell to enable students to discuss the issues in depth.

The course will require reading (usually 3 scientific articles or book chapters per week) and requires a high level of engagement. We will be reading papers on marijuana use, pornography, social media, sexting, tattooes, bullying, eating disorders, binge drinking, mentorship, employment, stress and other topics of interest to this population. We will also watch films, youtube clips and find and review sources designed to promote the health of the tweens to twenties.

Students from any faculty at SFU are welcome. You do not need to have taken any other health science course to take this course. You will make friends in this course!

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

*describe the health status of various groups of adolescents and twenty-somethings using a range of indicators and critically discuss health issues facing these populations today
*explain how a range of factors may act as potential determinants of health of adolescents and twenty-somethings
*identify and evaluate a range of information sources available to understand the health of adolescents and twenty-somethings
*demonstrate a critical, in depth examination of a particular health issue and communicate an idea/s for a program/resource/policy/research solution to address that particular issue; and
*appreciate your personal experience of health in relation to the published literature.

Grading

  • Midterm (short answer & MCQ) 25%
  • Canvas Discussions 10%
  • In Class Activities 15%
  • Homework Assignments (2 short writing assignments)) 10%
  • Final Exam (partial 'open book' component) 40%

NOTES:

Each student can choose the topic of their individual inquiry assignment. This will be assessed on the final exam. Students will be allowed to bring resources related to that assignment into the final exam.

You will work in small groups on a number of the in class exercises assigned for the class. These groups will fluctuate over the coure of the term. You will receive a group complete/incomplete grade for most of these group based activities. In cases where your group work is graded, there will be an individual written assignment (homework) associated the the activity.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

 All materials will be available through the SFU library website.

REQUIRED READING:

Readings: articles available free online from SFU library and others on reserve.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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