Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Theory and strategies for health communication in health systems and in particular cultural contexts. Interpersonal communication in health care, the relationship between belief and the construction of clinical realities, and communication for promoting public health. Social marketing and other strategies for health promotion targeting communities and persons of diverse cultural backgrounds. Communication about environmental and health risks. Students with credit for HSCI 301 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The health issues we face today are increasingly complex. Mitigating and managing these health risks is not just achieved through new health innovations (like vaccines and pharmaceuticals) but relies on human actions and behaviours. And for individuals and communities to act they need to be informed, which requires clear, effective, and purposeful communications to share health messages. This course will introduce students to the principles of science communication, with a particular focus on health and risk communication theory and practice. Learners in this course will explore the three main pillars of health communication, which include: 1) the ‘mission’ (e.g., communications objectives, identifying, understanding, and adapting to the target audience and context, ethical implications of risk communication, etc.), 2) the ‘message’ (e.g., use of different communication theories and frameworks, such as the Hazard vs. Outrage framework, nudge theory, and narratives, to craft a risk message), and 3) the ‘medium’ (e.g., how to select and implement a variety of communications tools, including social media, pitches, press releases, briefing notes, art, etc.). This course is highly applied in nature, and students will craft individual and group assessments, culminating in the development of a communication plan. Together, this course will equip learners with strong communication and team-building skills that can be applied across disciplines.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Design a risk communication plan that demonstrates understanding, integration, and application of the principles of science and risk communication presented throughout the course.
• Identify and critically analyze real-world examples that help to elucidate the principles of science and risk communication.
• Demonstrate how to select and implement different communication tools depending on the communication objective, audience, message, etc.
• Express themselves clearly, efficiently, and impactfully using different kinds of oral, written, and visual communication.
• Craft knowledge products for specific audiences that meet communications goals.
• Use feedback and interactions with peers, instructors, and guests to demonstrate the growth of their learning.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Online Resources: The course will use SFU platforms, including Canvas and Zoom for this term. Students are expected to hand their assignments in and regularly check the canvas site for course announcements. Canvas will be the primary route of notification for assignments, grades and notifications. The instructor may make minor changes to the syllabus throughout the course. Changes will be announced in class and through Canvas.

 

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: