Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - HSCI 319W D200

Applied Health Ethics (3)

Class Number: 6068

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    75 units including nine HSCI units with a minimum grade of C-, one of which must be a 200-division course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Practical ethical and legal issues in health sciences, emphasizing population and public health. Case studies approach highlighting current ethical dilemmas and decision-making in the context of global to local legal frameworks. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, we will explore ethical issues in health sciences, emphasizing population level health. Fruitful discussion of ethical issues requires a background in ethical theory, and so we will begin the class by considering canonical theories within ethics and frameworks that apply these theories to the context of public health. We will then apply these theories to ethical issues within public health, including the conflict between public health and individual autonomy, the just distribution of health resources, and responsibility for health outcomes. The aim of this course is to provide students with tools to discuss and assess ethical arguments and to form their own views on debates within population and public health. Students will be expected to write position papers, engage in critical analysis, and participate actively in classroom discussions of these topics.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Through writing assignments, students will practice presenting clear, well-supported analyses of ethical dilemmas in the health sector, with an emphasis on using persuasive, yet empathetic and inclusive language. The course encourages students to engage with different perspectives in a respectful and thoughtful manner, aiming to cultivate a skillset for effective communication and critical evaluation in ethical decision-making. The end goal is to equip students with the intellectual tools necessary for engaging in constructive, informed, and rational discourse in the ever-evolving field of health ethics.

Grading

  • Critical Commentary 7.5%
  • TCPS2: Core-2022 3%
  • Midterm Exam #1 20%
  • Draft of the Final Paper 7.5%
  • Midterm Exam #2 20%
  • Final Paper 30%
  • Quiz in Class 9%
  • Participation 3%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Class materials is composed of required readings (ethics policy and guidance, mostly peer-reviewed literature, etc.) and suggestions for further reading.

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.