Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - HSCI 345 D100

Texts, Two-Fours and Tattoos...and Other Health Issues of the Tweens to Twenties (3)

Class Number: 3500

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2025
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units. HSCI 130 strongly recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course is an investigation of some of the health issues facing adolescents, in Canada and in other international contexts. We will review the health status of adolescents using a range of indicators and consider how gender, ethnicity, socio-economic position, sexual identity, immigrant status and disability influence adolescent health. Students will explore theoretical approaches used in adolescent health research and we will discuss programs and policies that could promote adolescent and prevent morbidity and mortality in adolescence and throughout the lifecourse. Topics will include eating, eating disorders and obesity; physical activity and inactivity; tobacco, drugs and alcohol; stress, suicide and mental health; sleep; sexual health; bullying and violence; and employment This course will provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their adolescence and personal experience with particular health issues and situate their personal experience in relation to the published research literature. Students with credit for HSCI 471 (2007) and HSCI 472 (2009) may not complete this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The term, the course format includes a lecture component and a range of "in class" activities that are designed to enable you to talk to your peers about these issues. Some of these activities will occur in a variety of locations across campus. We will utilize our Canvas shell to enable students to discuss the issues in depth. We will also be using the TopHat platform to generate engagement and dialogue.

The course will require reading (usually 2-3 scientific articles or book chapters per week) and requires a high level of engagement. Between the Tophat participation mark and the in class activities it's essential you come to class. We will be reading papers on marijuana use, pornography, social media, sexting, hookup cukture, tattooes, bullying, eating disorders, binge drinking, mentorship, employment, stress and other topics of interest to this population. We will also watch films, youtube clips and find and review sources designed to promote the health of the tweens to twenties.

Students from any faculty at SFU are welcome. You do not need to have taken any other health science course to take this course. This course is designed to enable you to share your own experiences and dialogue with others. You will make friends in this course! 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

*describe the health status of various groups of adolescents and twenty-somethings using a range of indicators and critically discuss health issues facing these populations today
*explain how a range of factors may act as potential determinants of health of adolescents and twenty-somethings
*identify and evaluate a range of information sources available to understand the health of adolescents and twenty-somethings
*demonstrate a critical, in depth examination of a particular health issue and communicate an idea/s for a program/resource/policy/research solution to address that particular issue; and
*appreciate your personal experience of health in relation to the published literature.

Grading

  • Midterm Quizzes (short answer & MCQ) ( 2 X 15%) 30%
  • Canvas Discussions 10%
  • In Class Activities (graded complete/incomplete) 10%
  • In Class Activities {graded - TopHat + debate points} 15%
  • Chalk Project (group + individual writing) 10%
  • Final Exam (partially open book) 25%

NOTES:

Each student can choose the topic of their individual inquiry assignment. This will be assessed on the final exam. Students will be allowed to bring resources related to that assignment into the final exam.

You will work in small groups on a number of the in class exercises assigned for the class. You will have a 'number group' and a 'name group'. The activities will be assigned to either number or name groups, so you will have the opportunity to work with different people throughout the term. You will receive a group complete/incomplete grade for most of these group based activities. In cases where your group work is graded, there will usually be an individual written assignment (homework) associated the the activity.

Students will have the opportunity to identify up to 2 friends they would like to be grouped with for one of these groups (your number group), provided you enroll at the beginning of the semester.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All materials will be available through the SFU library website.

We will be using the TopHat platform to generate engagement in lecture. This is the only cost associated with this course. There is no textbook.

REQUIRED READING:

Readings: articles available free online from SFU library and others on reserve.

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.