Overview

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:

Children’s social and emotional well-being — or mental health — is central to the health of individuals and populations. This seminar will introduce students to children’s mental health and the associated policy and practice issues from a population health perspective. Topics will include: healthy social and emotional development; children’s mental health epidemiology including social and biological determinants; effective prevention and treatment approaches; policy and services; children’s rights; and lessons from Indigenous communities. For each topic we will also examine options for progress and reasons for hope.

Each weekly three-hour seminar will include research-based content overviews and student-led presentations and discussions. Small group discussions will help students consolidate their learning, as will individual presentations. Two written assignments and a final research presentation will further strengthen skills in identifying, critically appraising and synthesizing health research evidence – while also practicing writing and gaining in-depth knowledge on a chosen children’s mental health topic.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing this seminar, students will be able to:

1. Describe leading children’s mental health problems and their importance for the health of populations;
2. Outline potential policy and practice approaches to reducing or resolving important child health problems;
3. Identify, critically appraise and synthesize health research evidence;
4. Apply their knowledge in understanding related news events locally and globally; and
5. Present their ideas effectively in writing, and in discussions and presentations.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

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

REQUIRED READING NOTES: