Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - HSCI 486 D100

Senior Seminar in Global Health (3)

Class Number: 5663

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 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 global health issues. Students will examine several topics from theoretical, methodological and policy perspectives.

COURSE DETAILS:

This senior seminar course provides an overview of key topics related to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and resultant coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a global governance challenge requiring collective action across all countries.  The course begins with an overview of the COVID-19 pandemic, its likely origins, and key factors contributing to patterns of global, national and local spread.  The course then reviews the global response to the pandemic to date, focused on the roles of the World Health Organization and national governments, existing legal frameworks, and key interventions.  The varied responses to, and differential impacts of, the pandemic on specific populations (e.g., countries, socioeconomic groups, gender, racialized peoples) are considered.  Lessons for mitigating these impacts, within a global health perspective, are drawn to guide future global outbreak preparedness.  The course culminates in the COVID-35 game which integrates the contents of this course through a global pandemic response simulation.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Objectives
By completing the requiresments of this course, students will be able to:
1.  define the key features of the COVID-19 pandemic as a global public health crises;
2.  explain the varied national responses and differential socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic on population health worldwide;
3.  critically assess the existing institutional arrangements that comprise the national and global responses to the pandemic; and
4.  identify the collective action needed during a public health emergency of international concern and the ways to improve future global outbreak preparedness.

Core Competencies
1.  Measuring health and disease (primary)
2.  Core concepts in population and public health (primary)
3.  Systems and critical thinking (reinforcing)
4.  Strategies for preventing disease and promoting health (primary)

Grading

  • Midterm Assignment 30%
  • Student Presentation 30%
  • Final Assignment (Reflection) 30%
  • Class participation 10%

NOTES:

This course is delivered through synchronous (in person) methods, with limited aspects of course work to be completed asynchronously either through individual study (i.e., class readings, assignments, preparation for class) or on-line (SFU Canvas).  We meet in person each week for approximately three hours roughly composed of a lecture, activity and student presentation.  Class attendance is a key element of your learning and attendance is thus recorded.  This allows you to ask questions, test your knowledge, participate in planned activities with classmates, and engage fully during student presentations.

REQUIREMENTS:

Please note that full attendance is required for the final class when the COVID-35 game is played together.  You would not be able to complete the final assignment for this course (reflection - 30%) if you do not attend.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

There is no textbook assigned for this course given the broad scope of topics covered and rapidly changing subject matter.  All course readings and materials are made available via SFU Canvas or through URL links.

REQUIRED READING:

A detailed Syllabus with Required and Recommended readings will be posted on Canvas prior to the start of class.

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