Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - HSCI 305 D100

The Canadian Health System (3)

Class Number: 6229

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 19, 2020
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    John Calvert
    jrc@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-8163

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units, including nine HSCI units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A comparative analysis of the Canadian health care financing and delivery systems and policies. History, organizational principles, health care resources, costs, access to care, quality, and equity. Societal and political issues, threats and values that affect Canada's health care system and others around the world.

COURSE DETAILS:

We will examine historic events and values that have influenced the development of Canada's health care system. We will discuss the impact of Canada's Constitution in shaping the system. We will look at how we finance and deliver health care services and how we manage health human resources. We will examine the impact of colonialism in shapiing indigenous health in Canada. We will consider the role of the courts and the impact of trade agreements in health policy. Throughout the course, we will explore current policy debates, including coverage for pharmaceuticals, primary care reform, privatization, and management of wait lists. Finally, we will compare Canada’s health care system to those in other countries. Given that health services research and government policies are constantly changing, the instructor may add other topics to reflect recent developments

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Competencies for BA and BSc programs in this course include:
- Health services and health policy (primary)
- Health systems and critical thinking (reinforcing)

Grading

  • Assignment 1 10%
  • Assignment 2 10%
  • Term Paper 20%
  • Mid-term exam 20%
  • Final exam 30%
  • Participation 10%

NOTES:

Instructor may make changes to the syllabus within Faculty/University regulations.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Note the recommended text books below.

REQUIRED READING:

Deber, R. (2017).Treating Health Care: How the Canadian System Works and How It Could Work Better. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.

https://utorontopress.com/ca/treating-health-care-2
ISBN: 1487521499

Armstrong, Pat and Hugh Armstrong. (2016) Health Care (2nd ed.) Halifax: Fernwood Publishing. ISBN 978-1-55266-825-2 (also available through epub)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).