Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - HSCI 214 D100

Perspectives on Mental Health and Illness (3)

Class Number: 3262

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 16, 2023
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 100 or BISC 101, HSCI 130, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary overview of mental health and mental illness among populations. A review of the distribution and risk factors of mental illnesses as well as the historical and cultural context of their development.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines mental health, mental illness, and substance use from a public health perspective. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the aforementioned concepts will be explored using sociological, historical, political, biological, psychological, clinical, epidemiological, and socio-economic perspectives. Distribution patterns, risk factors, organization of health systems and societal efforts toward prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and the promotion of wellness and recovery will be reviewed, with the goal of providing tools to understand the most relevant aspects of mental health in Canada and globally. Students will have opportunities to critically evaluate various public policies that have been proposed or implemented to promote mental health.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Define key course concepts (e.g., mental health and mental illness)
  • Develop a better understanding of the broad range of perspectives (e.g., biological, psychological, sociological, historical, political, and personal) applied to explain mental health, mental illness, substance use, and substance use disorders
  • Describe the prevalence and distribution of mental and substance use disorders in the population, with an emphasis on Canada
  • Describe the prominent risk factors for mental disorders and harmful substance use, and preventative strategies to decrease risk throughout the life course
  • Develop an understanding of the structure and organization of public services, policies, and supports (including healthcare services, social services, and legislation) that exist globally to address mental illness and substance use disorders
  • Critically evaluate current and proposed mental health policies in Canada and their alignment with research evidence

Grading

  • Participation in lecture 10%
  • Participation in tutorials 10%
  • Written Assignment 20%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

An iClicker remote will be required.

REQUIRED READING:

An Introduction to Mental Health and Illness: Critical Perspectives. Oxford University Press. Edited by Mat Savelli, James Gillett and Gavin J. Andrews. 2020


ISBN: 9780199026050

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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.