Syllabus
Graduate Programs in Public Health
GPH 726 Social and Behavioral Health – Fall 2016
Credits - 3
Description
This course is designed as a foundation in the application of social and behavioral science to public health. The course will provide historical and current perspectives on basic public health concepts, analytic frameworks, and intervention strategies that can be applied to current public health issues. The course will present basic principles from psychology, sociology, and anthropology in order to understand and intervene on health determinants.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
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Program Competency Articulate the role and value of public health in the social, political, and economic development of a community.
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Course Outcome Define the various theoretical models of social and behavioral health and the relevance to public health interventions. |
Weekly Outcomes · Define and describe the Social Ecological Framework. · Discuss risk and protective factors at various levels of the Social Ecological Framework · Describe activities or strategies that reduce risk factors and/or increase protective factors at various levels of the Social Ecological Framework · Analyze the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory in terms of public health issues · Evaluate the HBM and SCT for their ability to promote self-efficacy · Analyze the Integrated Behavior Model and Transtheoretical Model in terms of public health issues
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Course Outcome Apply theory-based interventions to existing public health problems to improve public health practice. |
Weekly Outcomes · Describe the role of intervention messaging in encouraging behavioral change · Discuss the importance of crafting intervention messages differently depending on the audience · Analyze the Diffusion of Innovation Theory with regard to behavioral change interventions · Discuss how the Diffusion of Innovation theory influences consumer adoption of products and services · Propose appropriate interventions that encourage specific behavior change
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Program Competency Assess the role of community relationships and diverse perspectives in the development of implementation of public health policies, programs, and services.
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Course Outcome Utilize a behavioral health theory or model that addresses specific behavioral issues in an indicated population or context. |
Weekly Outcomes · Discuss the impact of public health issues on affected populations · Describe behavioral changes required to address public health issues · Describe the interrelationship between public health issues and social, economic, and policy environments · Describe how the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory can be used to encourage behavioral change · Discuss the principles of community engagement with respect to social and behavioral health · Describe the role of community engagement in ensuring success of interventions · Suggest possible workarounds to challenges in increasing community engagement · Identify target audiences for social marketing campaigns · Discuss the importance of tailoring and framing health communications for targeted audiences · Identify potential audience decision errors that should be considered when framing health communications
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Program Competency Utilize evidence to support decision making in the development and evaluation of public health initiatives |
Course Outcome Evaluate the causal factors that are at play in the etiology of behavioral/social health issues. |
Weekly Outcomes · Identify public health issues in the context of social and behavioral health · Describe the importance of addressing public health issues
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Course Outcome Analyze current evidence of theory-based interventions for their relative effectiveness. |
Weekly Outcomes · Illustrate the relationship between social and behavioral health theories/models and specific interventions · Identify organizational factors that can impact interventions either positively or negatively · Identify potential barriers to increasing community engagement in behavioral change interventions · Describe appropriate social marketing campaigns for specific interventions · Employ industry-specific tools for developing logic models · Develop appropriate logic models for specific behavioral health interventions
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Assignments
Discussion Boards: Each student is expected to post at least twice each week in response to forum questions on that week’s topic. Initial posts are due by 11:59pm ET on Sunday. Your response must be completed by 11:59pm ET Wednesday for credit. Because this is an online course, the online discussion portion is an important way to exchange ideas with your classmates. Students will be graded on their participation and effort of their posts. These posts will take time to complete but they are an essential part of this on-line course and a great way to get to know your colleagues. Please be familiar with the course material (readings/lectures) before posting each week. Full marks will be given to those who ask questions, bring in new data from the literature or other resources, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topics for the week.
If the initial post and response are not submitted within the discussion week you will be given a zero. Posts submitted after the discussion week will not be graded.
Weekly Assignments: In weeks 2 through 5 you will work on parts of your Final Project. These assignments scaffold to the final project and allow for feedback from your instructor before your final submission in Week 7. Make sure to incorporate this feedback into your final submission.
Final Project: Theory Application Paper: The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation in the application of social and behavioral science to public health. Throughout the term you have been exposed to historical and current perspective on basic public health concepts, analytic frameworks, and intervention strategies that can be applied to current public health issues. To assess these items you will craft a Theory Application Paper for your final project.
In Week 1 of the course you choose a specific public health behavior or issue. The paper will comprise of cited research on the effectiveness of the model(s) or theories related to your identified issue, a gap analysis, and a proposed intervention that would help fill the gap.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Course Requirements | Points (Out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Discussion | 7 Discussions x 3 points = 21 total points |
| Assignment 1: Final Project Introduction | 12 points |
| Assignment 2: Research Summary A | 10 points |
| Assignment 3: Research Summary B | 10 points |
| Assignment 4: Interventions/Evidence-based Recommendations | 12 points |
| Final Project: Theory Application Paper | 25 points |
| Assignment 5: Planning Models | 10 points |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Course Schedule:
Each week opens on Wednesday at 12:01 AM Eastern Time. Each week closes on Wednesday at 11:59 pm ET, with the exception of Week 8, which ends on Sunday.
| Week 1 | Oct. 26 – Nov. 2 |
| Week 2 | Nov. 2 – Nov. 9 |
| Week 3 | Nov. 9 – Nov. 16 |
| Week 4 | Nov. 16 – Nov. 23 |
| Week 5 | Nov. 23 – Nov. 30 |
| Week 6 | Nov. 30 – Dec. 7 |
| Week 7 | Dec. 7 – Dec. 14 |
| Week 8 | Dec. 14 – 18 (Sunday) |
Weekly Schedule:
The assignment/discussion descriptions mentioned below are summaries. Please make sure to review the full assignment prompts in Blackboard. There may be additional readings/videos that are not mentioned in this weekly summary, make sure to carefully review the modules in Blackboard.
Week 1: Introduction to Social & Behavioral Determinants of Health
Weekly Outcomes
- Identify public health issues in the context of social and behavioral health.
- Describe the importance of addressing public health issues.
- Discuss the impact of public health issues on affected populations.
- Describe behavioral changes required to address public health issues.
Videos/Readings
- Video: Course Introduction
- Video: Week 1 Lecture
- Textbook: Chapters 1 & 2
Assignments
- Discussion: Introductions
- Discussion: Choose a topic of interest
Week 2: Social Ecological Framework
Weekly Outcomes
- Define and describe the Social Ecological Framework.
- Discuss risk and protective factors at various levels of the Social Ecological Framework.
- Describe activities or strategies that reduce risk factors and/or increase protective factors at various levels of the Social Ecological Framework.
- Describe the iterrelatipnship between public health issues and social, economic, and policy environments.
Videos/Readings
- Video: Week 2 Lecture
- Textbook: Chapter 3
Assignments
- Discussion: Discuss the risk factors and protective factors associate with the topic that you chosen in Week 1.
- Assignment 1: Final Project Introduction
Week 3: Health Belief Model & Social Cognitive Theory
Weekly Outcomes
- Analyze the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory in term of public health issues.
- Describe how the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory can be used to encourage behavioral change.
- Evaluate the HBM and SCT for their ability to promote self-efficacy.
Videos/Readings
- Video: Week 3 Lecture
- Textbook: Chapters 4, 5, & 9
Assignments
- Discussion: What key components of HBM and/or SCT are used in the strategy to effect positive behavior change?
- Assignment 2: Research Summary A
Week 4: Integrated Behavioral Model & Transtheoretical Models
Weekly Outcomes
- Analyze the Integrated Behavior Model and Transtheoretical Model in terms of public health issues.
- Describe the role of intervention messaging in encouraging behavioral change.
- Discuss the importance of crafting intervention messages differently depending on the audience.
Videos/Readings
- Video: Week 4 Lecture
- Textbook: Chapters 6 & 7
Assignments
- Discussion: Intervention Messaging
- Assignment 3: Research Summary B
Week 5: Moving From Theory Into Practice
Weekly Outcomes
- Analyze the Diffusion of Innovation Theory with regard to behavioral change interventions.
- Discuss how the Diffusion of Innovation Theory influences consumer adoption of products and services.
- Propose appropriate interventions that encourage specific behavior change.
- Illustrate the relationship between social and behavioral health theories/models and specific interventions.
Videos/Readings
- Video: Week 5 Lecture
- Textbook: Chapter 16
Assignments
- Discusion: Behavioral Change
- Assignment 4: Interventions/Evidence-Based Recommendations
Week 6: Organization Level Theory
Weekly Outcomes
- Discuss the principles of community engagement with respect to social and behavioral health.
- Describe the role of community engagement in ensuring success of interventions.
- Identify organizational factors that can impact interventions either positively or negatively.
- Identify potential barriers to increasing community engagement in behavioral change interventions.
- Suggest possible workarounds to challenges in increasing community engagement.
Videos/Readings
- Video: Week 6 Lecture
- Textbook: Chapters 14 & 15
Assignments
- Discussion: Ensuring the Success of Your Intervention
Week 7: Behavioral Economics and Health Communication/Social Marketing
Weekly Outcomes
- Identify target audiences for social marketing campaigns.
- Discuss the importance of tailoring and framing health communications for targeted audiences.
- Identify potential audience decision errors that should be considered when framing health communications.
- Describe appropriate social marketing campaigns for specific interventions.
Videos/Readings
- Video: Week 7 Lecture
- Textbook: Chapters 17, 20, & 21
Assignments
- Discussion: Social Marketing Campaign
- Final Project Submission
Week 8: Planning Models
Weekly Outcomes
- Employ industry-specific tools for developing logic models.
- Develop appropriate logic models for specific behavioral health interventions.
Videos/Readings
- Video: Week 8 Lecture
- Textbook: Chapter 19
Assignments:
- Assignment 5: Logic Model
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Public Health page
UNE Libraries:
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Public Health Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/public-health/
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
UNE Student Academic Success Center
UNE's Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers a range of free online services to support your academic achievement. Writing support, ESOL support, study strategy and learning style consultations, as well as downloadable resources, are available to all matriculating students. The SASC also offers tutoring for GPH 712 Epidemiology, GPH 716 Biostatistics, GPH 717 Applied Epidemiology, GPH 718 Biostatistics II, and GPH 719 Research Methods. To make an appointment for any of these services, go to une.tutortrac.com. For more information and to view and download writing and studying resources, please visit:
Information Technology Services (ITS)
- ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Accommodations
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
Career Ready Program
The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!
The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
Policies
AMA Writing Style Statement
The American Medical Association Manual (AMA) of Style, 11th edition is the required writing format for this course. Additional support for academic writing and AMA format is provided throughout the coursework as well as at the UNE Portal for Online Students.
Online resources: AMA Style Guide
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements
Course Evaluation Policy
Course surveys are one of the most important tools that University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.
Late Policy
Students are responsible for submitting work by the date indicated in Brightspace.
Quizzes and Tests: Quizzes and tests must be completed by the due date. They will not be accepted after the due date.
Assignments: Unless otherwise specified, assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit https://www.une.edu/studentlife/plagiarism.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.
Attendance Policy
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.