Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HSCI 485 D100

Senior Seminar in Mental Health and Addictions (3)

Class Number: 2118

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: 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 issues in mental health and addictions from a population and public health perspective. Students will examine several topics from theoretical, methodological and policy perspectives.

COURSE DETAILS:

This seminar examines the relationships between mental health, social wellbeing, and public safety. Readings investigate mental illness, substance use, homelessness, and crime, and the
implications of the co-occurrence of these phenomena. We will study causal pathways across the life course and examine policy solutions that hold the greatest promise for improving health and social outcomes for current and future generations.


Class meetings will be seminars incorporating presentations and informed group discussions. Prior to each class, students will submit brief reflections that critically respond to points in the assigned readings and that raise questions. Formal presentations and term papers will examine public health approaches to reducing problems associated with mental illness and addiction in defined populations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Following completion of this seminar, students will be able to:

1. Summarize and explain the longitudinal relationship between mental and physical health, substance use, and social supports.
2. Critically examine the role of policies and services (e.g., geographic, cultural, historical) related to the interface between social welfare and health.
3. Identify public health approaches that are consistent with parameters including ethics, economics, and evidence of need and effectiveness.
4. Articulate and defend public health responses to mental and physical illness in a defined context, including the roles of research and advocacy.
5. Describe the role of theory and scientific method in relation to public health advocacy.

Grading

  • Reading reflections 20%
  • Participation (sign in) 10%
  • Group presentation 30%
  • Annotated bibliography 10%
  • Term paper 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Readings will be available to students via Canvas.

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.