Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HSCI 340 D100

Social Determinants of Health (3)

Class Number: 2099

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Jan 22, 2026: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 23 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units and two HSCI 200-level courses with a minimum grade of C-, one of which may be taken concurrently.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Social determinants of health and health inequities. Explores how and why the social advantages and disadvantages that people experience - based on their social position(s) and social circumstances - determine their health status and overall well-being.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides students with theoretical and methodological tools to explore and address issues of social justice and equity in health. We consider how social structures and systems of inequality translate to social advantage and disadvantage, and ultimately impact health outcomes. This course draws on numerous theoretical approaches and specific frameworks including intersectionality and ecological approaches to health. Methodologically, we will explore the skills, knowledges and dispositions necessary to work toward health equity. Students will learn how to identify and explain health issues pertaining to equity and promote solutions at policy and other levels. The course emphasizes collaboration with communities and centring of community knowledge about health as central to health equity.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Connect systems of inequality to stratifications in society resulting in poor health outcomes for some and protection for others
  • Link upstream social structures to exploitative processes and the maintenance of unearned advantages
  • Identify multiple theoretical approaches to health equity and describe their values and limitations
  • Apply theoretical approaches to reframe deficit-based approaches to health and health inequities
  • Reflect on our social locations, biases and responsibilities and how these impact our work promoting health equity
  • Explain issues pertaining to health equity and strategize how to best share this knowledge with others

Grading

  • Individual Assignments 50%
  • Team Assignment 50%

NOTES:

Assignments include: (1) weekly class preparation with assigned course material (2) in-class participation and discussion (3) individually completed journal assignments and (4) a semester long group project.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

In an effort to make this class affordable and accessible, students will not have to purchase any specific materials for this class. They will need an electronic device and SFU login to access our Canvas site and the SFU Library.

REQUIRED READING:

All materials for this class will be available on Canvas and through 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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.