Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - HSCI 199 OL01

Special Topics in Health Sciences (3)

Class Number: 2386

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Prerequisites:

    Will vary according to topic. Corequisite: Will vary according to topic.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A specific topic in health sciences which is not otherwise covered in-depth in regular courses.

COURSE DETAILS:

HSCI199 Special Topics– Summer 2026 (online)

Global Health with Justice: equity centered research and practice 

What is global health and what would global health with justice look like? What challenges need to be addressed to achieve more equitable and just health outcomes globally? Who are the main actors and what roles do they play in global health governance? What can/should be done to address the systemic, inherently global issues that impact peoples’ health everywhere? New global partnerships, community engagement, ethical research and practice – could they help decolonize global health? Global pandemics, planetary health, global health systems, health workforce shortages and maldistribution – these are some of the topics explored, discussed, and critically analysed in this 2nd year, fully online course.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Overall Goal and Expected Outcomes

This course aims to empower students to become critical thinkers and change agents in the pursuit of global health equity and social justice. A central objective is to provide a holistic understanding of global health challenges, with a specific focus on equity, justice, and the social determinants of health.

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

  • Demonstrate an understanding of global health and the principles of equity, justice, and the social determinants of health within a global context.

  • Identify key actors in global health governance—including governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities—and explain their roles.

  • Analyze contemporary global health challenges (e.g., pandemics, health workforce shortages, and resource maldistribution), with a focus on their underlying causes and potential solutions.

  • Critically evaluate the systemic, societal, social, and environmental factors that contribute to global health disparities and inequities, including poverty, racism, colonialism, gender inequality, and environmental degradation.

  • Explore and assess strategies for addressing global health inequities, including new global partnerships, community engagement, ethical research practices, and advocacy for policy change.

Grading

  • Weekly tests and submissions 30%
  • Peer reviewed discussions 20%
  • Individual assignment 30%
  • Small group activity 20%

REQUIREMENTS:

N/A

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

There is no required textbook for this course. All learning materials will be provided via the course website.

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.