Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - HSCI 481 D100

Senior Seminar in Social Health Science (3)

Class Number: 3516

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 22, 2025
    Tue, 11:59–11:59 a.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:

An in-depth overview of the sociocultural, epidemiological, and policy aspects of population and public health. May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Adequate housing is not only a social determinant of health, it is also a human right. However, despite this right, homelessness has become a global public health crisis. While homelessness affects many populations, people experiencing long-term homelessness are more likely to be experiencing a serious mental illness. But why? In this course, we will begin with a discussion of key concepts as well as relevant epidemiological findings and methods used to investigate the risk factors, prevalence, and adverse health and social effects of homelessness. We will then examine the social conditions which gave rise to mass homelessness in Canada from a variety of perspectives, and the roots of contemporary models of service provision for people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness concurrently. Social movements and paradigmatic shifts in the organization and delivery of relevant public services over time will also be discussed. Importantly, we will examine relevant prevention strategies, and how housing, health, and other social policies can be designed to address homelessness among people experiencing serious mental illness. You will have opportunities to critically evaluate major theories, models, and local and national policies relevant to homelessness. You will also conduct a literature review to inform policy recommendations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Describe key course concepts (e.g., homelessness, houselessness, and recovery)
  • Describe Indigenous perspectives on the causes and solutions to homelessness
  • Critically evaluate epidemiological methods and findings regarding the prevalence, health and social effects, and structural and individual-level risk factors of homelessness
  • Critically examine how housing affects health and social outcomes and its relationship to other social determinants of health
  • Identify major theories, models, and paradigms underpinning published homelessness research  
  • Critically evaluate current programs and policies in Canada addressing homelessness among people experiencing serious mental illness
  • Recommend policies based on a literature review of a topic of your choice related to homelessness
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills through a facilitated discussion and group work

Grading

  • Participation 20%
  • Reflections 10%
  • In-class learning exercises 10%
  • Faciliated discussion 25%
  • Group project 35%

NOTES:

This course will be delivered once per week (approximately 3 hours) in the form of an interactive seminar. Accordingly, preparation and participation will be essential to success. In-class activities/discussions will be a central focus of each class. Students will be expected to share their written work with their peers. Students will also take on leadership roles in course delivery.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available online via the SFU Library.

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.