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 Mental Health

Children’s social and emotional well-being — or mental health — is central to the health of individuals and populations. This seminar will introduce you 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 week will include: (1) instructor content overviews and case studies (60-minutes); 2) student reflections/presentations on the readings; 3) student reflections/presentations on “children in the news”; and 4) group conversation. You will also be asked to prepare two linked written assignments that inform your final research presentation. These assignments will further strengthen your skills in identifying, critically appraising and synthesizing health research evidence – while also practicing writing and gaining in-depth knowledge on your chosen children’s mental health topic.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing this seminar, you 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 your knowledge in understanding current news events locally and globally; and
5. Present your 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: