HLHSCI 140 - Introduction to Public Health - Nardeen Shafik
| Course: | Introduction to Public Health |
|---|---|
| Professor: | Nardeen Shafik |
| Email: | Nardeen.shafik@canyons.edu |
| Format: |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Welcome to Introduction to Public Health! My name is Nardeen Shafik, and I will be your instructor this term. A little about me: I am a public health leader, researcher, and effective communicator with a demonstrated history of working across different levels of organization including nonprofit/governmental organizations, with experience and interest in HIV/AIDS/STDs, mental health and substance use. I have worked with diverse population groups and in multicultural teams across different sectors. I am looking forward to sharing my public health passion and working with you all in learning about its history and modern application.
Course Description
Presents an overview of the disciplines of community and public health. Topics include the basic concepts and terminologies of public health; an overview of various public health professions and organizations; the study, prevention and control of diseases in the community; the analysis of the social determinants of health; strategies for eliminating disease, illness, and health disparities among various populations; community organizing and health promotion programming; school health promotion; environmental health and safety; and an overview of the healthcare delivery system in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on the development of knowledge and preliminary skills to serve as an effective advocate for community and public health.
What to Expect in this Course
Starting the first day of class students are expected to log in and do the initial "Introduction" assignment and/or Enrollment Verification via email in order to get credit for attendance. You must do this "Initial" assignment by 11:59pm by the first day. If you don't do this, you will be dropped from the class.
Every Sunday, you will have your current weeks assignments. It is very Important that you check every Sunday and pay attention to your emails & announcements on a day to day basis.
Instructional Procedures
The class will be 100% online, and taught using different instructional approaches. It will consist of class participation/discussion, pre-recorded lectures, videos, exams, assignments/papers, and projects. All will be posted on Canvas.
Materials Required
Computer with internet (preferably Firefox or Google Chrome).
Canvas: This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Student Responsibilities
- Login and check Canvas at least 2 times a week for assignment updates and announcements
- Thoroughly go over material provided in the Canvas modules
- Participate and actively communicate with your instructor and peers
- Respect the opinions of others
- Communicate in a mature, professional manner, both verbally and written, including email
- Reach out to me if you have questions or problems with the class
- Inform me within the first week of class if you have any specific learning disabilities that need to be addressed or if anything comes up, including emergencies
- Regularly review your graded exams and assignments, as well as your cumulative grade.
- If your posted score doesn’t match the score on the returned assignment, or you’d like to dispute your score, you have one week from the time the assignment was returned to reach out. After that time, the grade stands.
Types of Assessments
Assignments
Assignments will be submitted on the due dates on the schedule below by 11:59 PM. Make sure your submissions are in word, pdf. or rtf. (no other formats will be accepted- formats other than those stated will receive a score of zero. If you are unable to submit assignments on Canvas, reach out to me and we can decide on a plan. LATE ASSIGNMENTS are not accepted, only under extreme circumstances and documentation may be required.
Concept Maps
I feel that discussion boards have become too overused. Instead, to better retain the information learned, you will create concept maps (a diagram or figure that describes a concept) on an online software called Miro (you will be provided the link on Canvas). This will be due weekly, where you can choose a chapter of choice (of that week) to do a concept map for. Information on Miro will be posted on Canvas. I will record and share a video going over how to do a concept map and share on Canvas. Concept maps are due on the Sunday respective of that week.
Homework
You will get a homework assignment per week. They may be in the form of the following: writing discussion posts in response to a prompt, providing responses to a set of questions, watching a video and writing a summary/reflection, or reading an article and providing analysis. You will get more information on each homework assignment as we get to them weekly in the Canvas Modules. Homework is due on the Sunday respective of that week.
Research Paper
You will analyze a past or current public health problem (e.g. Hepatitis A outbreak in the homeless population, and the local agencies’ response) and submit a 3 page paper (APA format). More information will be provided on Canvas. Attached to this syllabus, you will also find the instructions. Look at the schedule for the due date.
Public Health Project
You will write a 2-3 page summary (APA format) examining an agency or organization that is aligned with public health and present your findings to the class by recording a video (will be due the last week of class). More information will be provided on Canvas. Attached to this syllabus, you will also find the instructions. Look at the schedule for the due date.
Textbook Information
A course textbook is required. The text book is “Schneider, M. J. (2016). Introduction to public health 5th ed. (or 6th ed), Jones & Bartlett Publishers.” You can purchase this text book from the College of the Canyons bookstore “https://coc.bncollege.com/shop/coc/home” or any other book vendor.
Other Relevant Course Information
Withdrawals
It is your responsibility (not your instructor’s) to officially drop the course before the official “drop” deadline if you do not intend to remain in the class. Please consult the Schedule of Classes for deadlines and information on how to “withdraw” or “drop” a class. I will, however, drop you from the class anytime during the term/semester if I see that you have not logged on or turned in assignments multiple times in succession. If you are sick for any length of time, you must notify me and have a doctor’s note to stay in the class or be reinstated. I will attempt to notify you before I drop you. If I do not hear back from you within 36 hours after contacting you, I will drop you.
Academic Dishonesty & Conduct
You are expected to adhere to the university guidelines regarding academic dishonesty. This policy will be strictly followed.
Academic dishonesty: includes but is not limited to cheating on examinations or assignments, unauthorized collaboration, plagiarism, falsification/fabrication of university documents, any act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student (such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor), assisting or allowing any of these acts, or the attempt to commit such acts.
Cheating: is defined as the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for work by the use of any dishonest, deceptive, fraudulent, or unauthorized means. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to, the following: using notes or aides (including electronic devices) or the help of other students on tests and examinations in ways other than those expressly permitted by the instructor, or any acts which defeat the intent of an examination, plagiarism as defined below, and collaborating with others on any assignment where such collaboration is expressly forbidden by an instructor. Violation of this prohibition of collaboration shall be deemed an offense for the person or persons collaborating on the work, in addition to the person submitting the work. Documentary falsification includes forgery, altering of campus documents or records, tampering with grading procedures (including submitting altered work for re- grading), fabricating lab assignments, or altering or falsifying medical excuses or letters of recommendation.
Plagiarism: is defined as the act of taking the work (words, ideas, concepts, data, graphs, artistic creation) of another whether that work is paraphrased or copied in verbatim or near verbatim form and offering it as one’s own without giving credit to that source. When sources are used in a paper, acknowledgment of the original author or source must be made through appropriate citation/attribution and, if directly quoted, quotation marks or indentations must be used. Improper acknowledgment of sources in essays, papers, or presentations is prohibited.
Conduct: This course will include discussions on sensitive and controversial topics. Open discussions of sexuality, reproduction, various bodily functions, mental health, personal health behaviors, and other sensitive topics are a normal part of the curriculum. Use of appropriate language is expected. Be respectful of others and that respect will be returned to you. Should you fail to follow these guidelines you will be warned the first time, and subject to possible discipline if the problem continues.
Penalties for Academic Dishonesty: Penalties for violating the academic dishonesty policy range from an oral reprimand to a grade of “F” in the course.
Disability Support
DSPS Students: The college is committed to providing all students with equal access to learning opportunities. If you feel you may need accommodations based on the impact of a disability, please email DSPS at dsps@canyons.edu. DSPS is the official campus office that works to implement reasonable accommodations for students. If you have a documented disability and an accommodation letter from DSPS please contact me as soon as possible to allow adequate time for accommodations to be arranged.
Resources
Online Education: Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring1` ;, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC): The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC): College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accommodation Center website.
Online Counseling: The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health: College of the Canyons cares about your emotional and physical health. Learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including free counseling and mental health services available during this time by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center website or by calling them at: 661-362-3259.
The National Suicide Lifeline number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK). Please call it if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress - it could save someone's life.
You can also use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. It's free, available 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center: The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library: The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. In addition, the efforts to combat the Coronavirus have all of us making major adjustments to the way we learn and live. It is a given that coping with the stress of fast and sweeping changes brings emotional upheaval and considerable anxiety. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. Although the Student Health Center will be closed until further notice, the mental health staff of the College Of The Canyons Student Health & Wellness Center is continuing to provide free sessions of Personal Counseling appointments to currently enrolled students. The Sessions are paid for by student health fees.
To make a confidential appointment simply e mail the center at studenthealthcenter@canyons.edu. They will get back to you as soon as possible.
You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center
website at https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/health/index.php . The phone number is 661-362-3259.
Also, the National Suicide Lifeline number is 1-800-273- 8255(TALK). All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress. You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text “Courage” to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential. Finally, for local information and resources, we have worked with our community to develop a great website that you can visit: Be The Difference SCV: https://www.bethedifferencescv.org/
More Resources
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 02/06/2025 Sub#: 1681