Pubhlth 200 F21 course syllabus 23AUG2021 PDF

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This document is the syllabus and is a description of the class, course policies, and grading system. Read this before taking the course!...

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PUBHLTH 200: Introduction to Public Health SYLLABUS

PUBHLTH 200: Health & Society: Introduction to Public Health COURSE SYLLABUS — Fall 2021

// COURSE OVERVIEW Course Information Instructors:

Dr. Al Franzblau (faculty profile) Dr. Emily Youatt (faculty profile)

Office Hours:

Dr. Franzblau and Dr. Youatt will hold in-person and Zoombased office hours this term. Please see additional details on the course Canvas site. Course designations: The course satisfies LSA’s Race & Ethnicity Requirement; and is an admission requirement for the School of Public Health undergraduate majors Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs): Aarohee Fulay: ([email protected]) Gabriel Johnson ([email protected]) Elizabeth Ludwig-Borycz ([email protected]) Shannon Nelson ([email protected]) Geila Rajaee ([email protected]) Carmen Ramos ([email protected])

GSIs office hours will post their office hours on discussion section Canvas pages

Course Description This course is intended to serve as an introduction to the major issues of public health with a focus on the United States. We will examine what those issues are, what determines them, and how they can be altered. As a survey of the field of public health, the course provides a broad overview for students wishing no more than an introduction to the field, as well as good grounding for students who wish to pursue additional coursework in public health. There has never been a better time to study public health!

Course Goals By the end of the semester: 1. Students will be able to explain what public health is, what distinguishes it from other health sciences, and what unique contributions it makes to population health. 2. Students will understand major health issues and their determinants. Page | 1

PUBHLTH 200: Introduction to Public Health SYLLABUS

3. Students will gain understanding and empathy for inequities in health outcomes and experiences.

// COURSE REQUIREMENTS What?

When?

Why?

Online lessons

Canvas-based with recorded video lectures, readings, and graded questions

Weekly (usually 2 lessons due per week)

Provides essential knowledge and content of course

Discussion sections

In-person meetings with readings and activities completed prior to meetings

Weekly

Learn from peers, dig deeper, and practice applying knowledge

Forums

Zoom webinars for entire class - these include expert interviews and paper and exam prep sessions

Periodic, during some assigned class lecture times (Tues/Thurs 2:303:50)

Learn from experts and prepares students to succeed on exams and papers

Online lessons will include video lectures, readings, and graded quiz questions. Online lesson must be completed no later than 2:30 pm on Tuesdays to be eligible for full credit on the knowledge checks/quizzes. Discussion sections will be in-person at the School of Public Health weekly. Prior to sections, you will complete assigned readings (or, watch assigned videos or listen to a podcast). Discussion sections are an opportunity to learn from peers, participate in activities, practice applying concepts learned in the online lessons, and deepen your understanding of public health. These will also be opportunities to learn about additional topics not covered in lessons. Each GSI creates and maintains their own Canvas page, accessible from the main course Canvas site. Forums are periodic, all-class meetings that occur during class lecture times (Tues/Thurs 2:303:50; see class schedule for dates). These meetings are meant to do two things: (1) provide opportunities to engage with experts on timely and relevant public health topics; or (2) clarify expectations and provide extra support and so students can be successful on papers and exams.

Course Materials Textbook (Required): Schneider, M.J. (2020). Introduction to public health. 6th Edition. Jones & Page | 2

PUBHLTH 200: Introduction to Public Health SYLLABUS

Bartlett. All other course materials are available on Canvas.

// COURSE COMMUNICATION Where should I go if I have a question?

Office Hours with Dr. Youatt and Dr. Franzblau Drs. Youatt and Franzblau will have office hours each week. You can sign up for their office hours using the links at the top of the syllabus. Both instructors can answer questions about course content and the field of public health. Please make an appointment with Dr. Youatt if you wish to discuss UM’s undergraduate public health majors. Office Hours with your GSI GSIs will hold weekly office hours and may offer extra opportunities to connect prior to paper due dates and exams. Please visit your discussion section Canvas page to sign up for their office hours. GSIs are the best point of contact for questions about papers, exams, and course grading.

Canvas Announcements The instructors and GSIs will send announcements via Canvas’s Announcements tool. Please be sure to read these announcements thoroughly before asking logistical questions in office hours or email. Instructors will also send a weekly summary of information (the Friday Digest) about campus or local organizations, events, etc. If there is something you would like included in the Friday Digest, send Dr. Youatt the information in as concise a form as possible (with links to URLs a good way to provide more detail).

Email - Expectations When you need to contact an instructor or GSI privately, then emails are by far the most preferred method. Not only is it the easiest way to get in contact with them but it also provides an automatic record of the conversation. Here are expectations regarding email communication: • To avoid being sent to spam, all emails MUST (1) be sent from your umich.edu address and (2) contain a subject line with: “PUBHLTH 200:[Your Section #]” as part of the email subject •

Late night emails as well as weekend emails may not be responded to until the following school day.

•

Your instructors will always read your emails completely before responding. Please do the same.

•

Please proofread your emails. It only takes a few seconds and helps make sure you are properly articulating your thoughts. Page | 3

PUBHLTH 200: Introduction to Public Health SYLLABUS

// ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING Course grades will be based on online lessons, two exams (each covering half of the course), two writing assignments, and an overall grade for your engagement in discussion section. More information on course grading and detailed instructions for each assignment will be provided on the course Canvas site.

Course activity

Description

Due Date

Percentage of final grade

Online lessons

Recorded lectures, readings, and knowledge checks. Submitted in Canvas.

Weekly, Tuesdays by 2:30 pm

15

Writing Assignments (2)

Two essays of no more than 5 pages each.

Sep 30

15

Nov 11

15

Exam 1

Administered through Canvas. Will include content from online lessons, discussion sections, and forums.

Oct 12

20

Dec 17

20

Observed weekly

15

Exam 2

Discussion Section Engagement

Administered through Canvas, Will include content from online lessons, discussion sections, and forums. Exam 2 will cover only material presented after Exam 1 (or, Exam 2 is NOT cumulative). This grade, determined by your GSI, will be based your active engagement in and completion of discussion section activities

Honors Conversion Students in the LSA Honors program may wish to pursue Honors credit for PUBHLTH 200. If you are considering Honors Conversion for this course, it is essential that you contact your GSI and Dr. Franzblau as soon as possible to learn about our course requirements for doing so.

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PUBHLTH 200: Introduction to Public Health SYLLABUS

// COURSE POLICIES What you can expect > Commitment to your learning and your success We (the instructional team) believe all students are unique and will thrive in a learning environment that is challenging yet supportive of critical thinking and active learning. We know that learning remotely can be challenging, and that are many things that may inhibit your learning this semester. Please let us know if there is anything you want to discuss or about which you are unclear. We want to be supportive of your learning and growth. > Inclusive & supportive learning community We believe that learning happens best when we all learn together as a community. This means creating a space characterized by listening, civility, humility, patience, and hospitality. We strive to create a safe classroom environment that promotes scholarly dialogue and informed debates that are respectful of diverse perspectives. Classroom discussions, activities, and assignments dealing with sensitive issues will demonstrate these values and beliefs. We expect that in all classroom interactions and activities you engage in honest and respectful dialogue, treat everyone with dignity and respect, and manage tensions and different viewpoints with maturity, and sensitivity. > Openness to feedback We appreciate straightforward feedback from you regarding how well the class is meeting your needs. Let either the instructors or your GSI know if material is not clear or when its relevance to the student learning outcomes for the course is not apparent. Please also let us know if there’s an aspect of the class you find particularly interesting, helpful, or enjoyable! > Responsiveness We will monitor email and respond to all messages within ~24 hours Monday-Friday (~48 hours over weekends or holiday periods). > Clear guidelines and prompt feedback on assignments We will provide clear instructions for all assignments. Writing assignment feedback will be provided, and assignment grades posted in Canvas.

What we expect from you > Attend class You are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings. If you must miss a meeting due to illness, a family emergency, a religious holiday, or some other valid reason, please communicate with your GSI prior to the class in question. Unexcused absences will impact your understanding of course materials, and may diminish your overall discussion section engagement grade. > Classroom Etiquette Please refrain from using your cell phone during class. If there are circumstances that require access to your phone during class, please let the teaching team know. > Participate We encourage to actively participate and to ask questions in during class. We expect all of us to be respectful of each other’s contributions, whether we agree with them or not. Page | 5

PUBHLTH 200: Introduction to Public Health SYLLABUS

> Be proactive If you find that you have any trouble keeping up with assignments or other aspects of the course, make sure you let your GSI know as early as possible. This will be especially important if you become sick, are required to self-quarantine, need to take care of a roommate or loved one, or are forced to relocate. Make sure that you are proactive in informing your GSI when difficulties arise during the course so that they can help you find a solution. > Complete assignments All assignments for this course will be submitted electronically through Canvas. Assignment due dates are listed in the syllabus; please make note of them, and plan ahead to complete them on time. Assignments should be submitted on their due date. We understand that sometimes circumstances arise that are beyond our control, and that there are numerous impediments to peak performance while we are teaching and learning remotely. If you need an extension, due to illness or an emergent issue, please contact your GSI to request one. Assignments submitted late without prior approval will not be eligible for full credit. > Seek help if you need it We believe it is important to support the physical and emotional well-being of our students. If you are experiencing physical or mental health issues, we encourage you to use available resources such as those listed below. If you have a health issue that is affecting your performance or participation in the course, and/or if you need help connecting with these resources, please contact one of the course instructors and/or your GSI.

● Well-being for U-M Students: Embrace the concept of well-being as a multidimensional lifelong journey. Search university-wide resources (note the “virtual” location filter) and take breaks with stress-relieving videos.

● MiTalk: Review information on a variety of mental health topics, including recorded workshops, online lectures, and skill-building tools. ●

Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) Chat: Your chat advocate can help answer questions about your concerns related to sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, or intimate partner violence and connect you to resources. SAPAC services include - but are not limited to - information and advocacy regarding housing, academics, Title IX, and medical options, and criminal legal processes.

●

Support for Food Insecurity: Students across the country experience food insecurity at alarming rates. The Maize and Blue Cupboard at the University of Michigan provides food, kitchen and cooking supplies, personal and household items, and support services.

> Inform us of any accommodations needed If you need special accommodations due to a disability, illness, or injury, please inform us as soon as possible. In particular, if you are registered with the university’s Services for Students with Disabilities and would like to activate any accommodations, please provide all course instructors required information via the Accommodate tool. Please note that some accommodations take longer to implement than others (e.g. scheduling live captioning during Zoom sessions). > Commit to integrity As a student in this course and at this university you are expected to maintain a high degree of Page | 6

PUBHLTH 200: Introduction to Public Health SYLLABUS

professionalism, commitment to active learning and participation in this class, and also integrity in your behavior in and out of the classroom. Preparation of papers assigned on an individual basis must represent your own individual effort. When used, resource materials should be cited in conventional reference format. In this course all papers should use APA formatting. Cheating and other forms of academic misconduct will not be tolerated and will be dealt with firmly. Student academic misconduct refers to behavior that includes plagiarism, cheating on exams or assignments, fabrication of data, falsification of records or official documents, intentional misuse of equipment or materials (including library materials), or aiding and abetting the perpetration of such acts. > Support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The University of Michigan School of Public Health seeks to create and disseminate knowledge, with the aim of preventing disease and promoting the health of populations worldwide. We recognize the histories of social discrimination globally and seek to promote and extend opportunities for members of all groups that historically have been marginalized. We commit to developing the institutional mechanisms and norms necessary to promote the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, both inside and outside our classrooms. To this end, SPH upholds the expectations that all courses will (1) be inclusive, (2) promote brave discussions, (3) follow multicultural ground rules, and (4) abide by U-M policies and procedures.

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PUBHLTH 200: Introduction to Public Health SYLLABUS

// COURSE SCHEDULE . OL: Online Lesson Aug 30-Sep 3

F: Forum

DS: Discussion section

Introduction and Overview OL: Course Introduction and Overview OL: What is Public Health? DS: Introduction to public health

Aug 31 (Tu) Sep 6-17 Sep 6-10

F: Welcome to PUBHLTH 200 Unit 1: Health and Public Health: Basic Facts and Concepts OL: Population Health OL: Health Differences and Disparities in the US DS: Health Equity

Sep 13-17

OL: History of Public Health OL: Role of Government DS: Role of Government

Sep 14 (Tu)

F: Writing Workshop + Writing Assign. #1 posted on Canvas

Sep 20-24

Unit 2: The Core Science of Public Health OL: Introduction to Biostatistics OL: Introduction to Epidemiology DS: Biostatistics and Epidemiology Review

Sep 27 – Oct 8

Unit 3: Biomedical Basis of Health and Disease OL: Infectious Disease DS: Vaccines

Sep 28 (Tu)

F: Expert Perspective on COVID-19 with Prof. Eisenberg.

Sep 30 (Th)

Writing Assign. #1 due by 2:30 Sept 30

Oct 4 – 8 Oct 5 (Tu) Oct 12 Oct 18-19 Oct 20 – 29 Oct. 20 - 22 Oct. 21 (Th)

OL: Chronic Disease Exam Preview Session Exam #1 Fall Study Break Unit 4: Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health OL: Health Behavior: Half of the Problem OL: Tobacco: Public Health Enemy #1 F: Expert Perspective on Tobacco Regulation with Prof Cliff Douglas Page | 8

PUBHLTH 200: Introduction to Public Health SYLLABUS

Oct. 25 – 29

OL: Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity OL: Injury: Killer of Young and Old DS: Gun Violence

Oct. 26 (Tu)

Writing Workshop + Writing Assign. #2 posted on Canvas

Nov 1 - Nov 5 Nov 1-5 Nov 9 – 12

Nov 11 (Th) Nov 15 - 23 Nov 15 - 19

Unit 5: Vulnerable Populations OL: Mental Health OL: Maternal and Child Health DS: Mental Health and College Students Unit 6: Environment and Health OL: Environmental Health DS: Environmental Justice Writing Assign. #2 due by 2:30 TODAY Unit 7: The U.S. Health Care System and Public Health OL: The U.S. Health Care System OL: Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Public Health DS: Healthcare and Reform (including the ACA)

Nov 18 (Th)

F: Expert Perspective on Health Care, Obamacare, and Public Health with Marianne Udow-Phillips

Nov 22 - 23

OL: Aging and Public Health

Nov 24-26

Thanksgiving break – No Classes

Nov 29-Dec 10

Unit 8: Looking Toward the Future

Nov 30 Dec 2

F: Expert Perspective: Dr. Joneigh Khaldun F: Career Panel DS: What is public health?: Reflections on the semester OL: Thinking About the Future/Course Wrap-Up

Dec. 9 Dec 17

F: Exam #2 Preview EXAM #2

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