Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - HSCI 486 D100

Senior Seminar in Global Health (3)

Class Number: 2152

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.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:

Treatment of current global health issues. Students will examine several topics from theoretical, methodological and policy perspectives.

COURSE DETAILS:

This senior seminar course provides an overview of key topics related to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and resultant coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a global governance challenge requiring collective action across all countries.  The course begins with an overview of the COVID-19 pandemic, its likely origins, and key factors contributing to patterns of global spread.  The course then reviews the global response to the pandemic to date, focused on the role of the World Health Organization and national governments, existing legal frameworks and key interventions.  The varied responses to, and differential impacts of, the pandemic on specific populations (e.g. countries, socioeconomic group, gender, race) are considered.  Lessons for mitigating these impacts, within a global health perspective, are drawn to guide future global outbreak preparedness.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. define the key features of the COVID-19 pandemic as a global health crisis;
  2. explain the varied responses and differential socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic on population health worldwide;
  3. critically assess the existing institutional arrangements that comprise the global response to the pandemic; and
  4. identify the collective action needed during a public health emergency of international concern and the ways to improve future global outbreak preparedness.

Grading

  • Class participation 10%
  • Student-led presentation and discussion 30%
  • Mid Term (Policy Brief) 30%
  • Final Assignment (Reflection) 30%

NOTES:

CORE COMPETENCIES

This course addresses the following core competencies for BA and BSc stream undergraduate students:

  • Measuring health and disease (primary)
  • Core concepts in population and public health (primary)
  • Systems and critical thinking (primary)
  • Strategies for preventing disease and promoting health (reinforcing)

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

READING MATERIALS

There is no textbook assigned for this course given the broad scope of topics covered and recent subject matter.  All course readings and materials are made available via SFU Canvas or on-line (URL provided).

The readings for each session are divided into Required Readings and Recommended Readings.  You should read all Required Readings BEFORE each relevant session.  The Recommended Readings are to provide you with a fuller understanding of the session’s topic if, for example, you decide to write your Policy Brief on that topic or give your group presentation that week.  The instructor may make minor changes to the syllabus during the course.  Any changes will be announced in class and through an announcement on SFU Canvas.

REQUIRED READING:

See full syllabus

RECOMMENDED READING:

See full syllabus

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.