Fall 2024 - HSCI 214 D100
Perspectives on Mental Health and Illness (3)
Class Number: 4297
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
BurnabySep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 6, 2024
Fri, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Will Small
wsmall@sfu.ca
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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:
An interdisciplinary overview of mental health and illness with a public health approach. A review of the distribution, risk factors and treatments for mental disorders, in addition to the historical and cultural context of their development. Includes the study of personal narratives from people with lived experience of mental illness and substance use, and how these relate to course material.
This course will take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of mental health, mental illness, and substance use. These concepts will be explored from different perspectives, including historical, biological, psychological, clinical, epidemiological, and socio-economic. Distribution patterns, risk factors, organization of health systems and societal efforts toward prevention and treatment will be reviewed, with the goal of providing tools to understand the most relevant aspects of mental health in Canada and globally.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- To develop a better understanding of the broad range of perspectives (e.g., biological, psychological, sociological, historical, political, personal) applied to explain mental health, mental illness, substance use, substance use disorders, and addiction
- To demonstrate knowledge of the prevalence and distribution of mental and substance use disorders in the population, with emphasis on Canada
- To gain a better understanding of prominent risk factors for mental disorder and harmful substance use, and preventative strategies to decrease risk throughout the life course
- To gain an understanding of common mental health issues and challenges that arise during the life course, and public heath approaches to promote mental health in populations
- To 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
- To appreciate studied concepts from the perspective of individuals living with mental and/or substance use disorders
Grading
- Attendance and participation 15%
- Written Assignment(s) 25%
- Midterm exam 25%
- Final exam 35%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Participation marks will require use of Canvas to complete online quizzes.
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 term 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.