HLSC CRITICAL SCHOLARSHIP in HEALTH SCIENCES (4 units) CRN COURSE SYLLABUS

Transcription

1 Department of Health & Exercise Science Fall Quarter 2014 HLSC CRITICAL SCHOLARSHIP in HEALTH SCIENCES (4 units) CRN COURSE SYLLABUS Date & Time: T R 3:00-4:50 pm Location: Zapara School of Business Rm 226 Instructor: William C. Andress, DrPH, MPH, CHES Phone: Health & Exercise Science Dept Office Hours: M: 10:00 12:00 noon T: 1:00-2:45 pm; R: 9:00 11:00 am Other hours available by appointment wandress@lasierra.edu *************************************************************************** COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course provides an introduction to the basic skills of critical analysis, including how to search and locate information (including electronic data bases), read and analyze primary and secondary sources, evaluate internet resources, and write scholarly arguments related to the field. Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical constructs in a practical way by researching a specific subject and presenting their data in a variety of formats. TEXTBOOK: Recommended Jacobsen, Kathryn H. Introduction to Health Research Methods, A Practical Guide. Jones & Bartlett Publishing, ISBN Recommended Pan, M. Ling. Preparing Literature Reviews, 3rd ed. Pyrczak Publishing ISBN COURSE OBJECTIVES: A primary function of this course is to meet the Health Science Major Student Learning Outcome # 9 which states, Understand the role of research, evaluation, and the use of data in health promotion, disease prevention, and health services. To accomplish this, by the end of the course, the student who invests quality time and thought in fulfilling the requirements will be able to do the following: 1. Utilize a variety of electronic data bases to conduct literature searches in the health and behavioral sciences. (SLO #2 which states Demonstrate knowledge and skills of research principles and methodologies relevant to health and exercise science. Measured by: Use of an array of technologies to support the process of inquiry and its outcomes.) 2. Distinguish between reliable and suspect sources for obtaining information on issues related to health and well-being. (SLO #3 which states Apply standards, ethics, and expectations of professional communities related to health and exercise science.) 1

2 3. Understand the various components of scientific journal articles and the type of information included in each section. (SLO #2 which states Demonstrate knowledge and skills of research principles and methodologies relevant to health and exercise science by b. Using an array of technologies to support the process of inquiry and its outcomes.) 4. Manifest skills in conducting literature reviews and presenting data from exhaustive sources in such a way that logical and cohesive arguments can be made to support one s position. (SLO #2) 5. Begin to analyze publications with a critical evaluative mind focused on distinguishing between truth and error. (SLO #2) 6. Appropriately interpret figures and tables and determine appropriateness of various forms in which to present scientific data. 7. Manifest ability to properly reference scientific papers. (SLO # 1 which states Demonstrate critical thinking skills in addressing discipline-based questions. Measured by: a. The application of effective oral and written communication skills, as evidenced by the use of the appropriate APA style for both professional and community audiences and b. The application of knowledge and skills through experiential learning experiences. 8. Approach one s own writing from a more critical perspective to reduce spelling and grammatical errors and to improve clarity and overall writing quality. 9. Incorporate knowledge of PowerPoint productions through an actual class presentation. (SLO #4 which states, Demonstrate learned competencies and skills as part of learning activities and experiences.) 10. Design and present a poster in scientific presentation format. (SLO #4) 11. Achieve practical classroom experience in public speaking through the delivery of a formal presentation. (SLO #4) 12. Gain an overall appreciation for the critical role that original research plays in advancing the knowledge base in any given discipline. (SLO #3 which states Apply standards, ethics, and expectations of professional communities related to health and exercise science.) GRADING and EVALUATION: 1. Attendance and Involvement Expected. The classroom is a place where learning is acquired through discipline and inspiration. Students, are to be present and actively involved in the teaching-learning process and not just function as detached observers of a performance. LSU makes provision for limited absences. However such absences are excusable only when they result from critical crises, such as personal illness or death in the family, and when timely information is provided to the teacher; preferably in advance. Immediately upon returning to class, the student is to initiate negotiations with the teacher regarding assignments not fulfilled due to absences. Excessive absences (more than 3 unexcused or 5 altogether), will negatively impact the grade by 2% per absence. Absences totaling more than four class periods or eight class hours may result in a failing grade. 2

3 2. Exams and Quizzes There are no exams or quizzes in this course. Students will be evaluated solely on their performance in various assignments that integrate the theoretical content of course lectures and assigned readings as well as their participation in class discussions. 3. Literature Review As the first in a sequence of assignments a literature review will form the basis on which other assignments are built. This assignment is designed to meet departmental Student learning outcome objective #1 Demonstrate critical thinking skills in addressing discipline-based questions a) through effective oral and written communication skills using appropriate APA style in various forms appropriate to both professional and community audiences and b) the application of knowledge and skills through experiential learning opportunities. Further instructions regarding its content will be given in class. 4. PowerPoint and Poster Presentations Based on the material found in their literature reviews, students will put together and present before the class an 8-12 minute PowerPoint presentation. They will also assemble their material into a scientific poster format. This also will meet the departmental Student learning outcome objective # 1 - Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills through experiential learning opportunities, and HES SLO #4 - Demonstrate learned competencies and skills as part of learning activities and experiences. 5. Mini assignments -- There will be two mini-assignments; each worth 5% of the grade. 6. Professional Conference Report All students will be expected to spend at least one day attending a professional conference and turning in a summary report pertaining to their experience. Again, specific details will be given in class along with a list of suggested conferences to attend. Assignments Due Student performance will be measured and graded according to the following standards and criteria. Late assignments will not be accepted except under extreme emergencies and will receive a zero grade. Assignment Value Due Date Attendance/discussion 10% Mini Assignment I Critiquing Scientific Articles 5% Oct. 23 Mini Assignment II Peer Review Critique 5% Nov. 4 Literature Review Documentation Rough Draft 10% Nov. 11 Final Draft 20% Nov. 20 Power Point Presentation 15% Dec. 4 Poster Presentation 15% Dec. 9 Professional Conference Attendance/Report 20% Dec. 4 3

4 A = B+ = C+ = D+ = A- = B = C = D = B- = C- = F = 59 and below INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Methods of Instruction. The basic method of instruction will be lecture-discussion. There will also be take-home learning experiences, group discussion topics, critical analysis, and careful writing. Anecdotal illustrations and guest speakers will also be used to enhance motivation and learning. Academic Integrity and Ethics. The student is expected to practice academic honesty in all activities related to this course. Original work is expected from the student, unless appropriate credit is given to specific work cited. Plagiarism is unacceptable as are other types of cheating. To be sure that you have no misunderstandings about the definitions of academic honesty or academic dishonesty, refer to your La Sierra University Student Handbook. The University has significant penalties for academic dishonesty, so please take this suggestion seriously. La Sierra University s policy and other important information regarding academic honesty can be found at For your convenience a portion of this policy is posted on Blackboard. All members of the community of scholars (students and faculty) at the university must agree to the following Academic Integrity Statement. Understand that enrolling in this course constitutes your agreement with the following statements: I will act with integrity and responsibility in my activities as a La Sierra University student or faculty member. I will not participate in violations of academic integrity, including plagiarism, cheating, or fabricating information. I will not stand by when others do these things. I will follow the academic integrity policy. Appropriate penalties will be enforced. All instances of academic misconduct will be reported to the Academic Integrity Committee. Approach to Scholarship. Students of LSU are expected to approach scholarship with eagerness and a positive attitude to the subject, to the instructor, to classmates, and to their own abilities and worth. Basic to a successful learning experience are the following disciplined behaviors: a. Consistent reading of the handouts and other relevant resource material as the basic source of information. Class periods are most meaningful when they are preceded by some critical level of engagement with the subject matter. b. Active listening and thoughtful responses and inquiry during lecture/discussion exercises. c. Active involvement in group discussions. 4

5 d. Conscientious and timely performance of all written assignments. e. Avoid negative distractions in class. These include late arrival and early departure, unnecessary and prolonged private conversations, the use of cell phones, sleeping, and obtrusive rustling of papers, books, and chairs before the teacher dismisses the class. For additional specifics refer to the Andress Bill of Classroom Decorum and Etiquette attached to this syllabus. f. Thoughtful out-of-class interactions with fellow students and with the instructor. This facilitates the integration of knowledge with life and thereby reinforces learning. Disability Accommodation - It is the policy of La Sierra University to accommodate students with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability who requires reasonable accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services at (951) or ability@lasierra.edu. Campus Students are expected to check their campus regularly for information regarding this course and to stay abreast of news and events at the University. Important data such as PowerPoint slides and study review guides will be placed on Blackboard. 5

6 SCHEDULE OF TOPICS NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to this written schedule. However, like all information on this syllabus, the topics and schedule are subject to adjustment and fine-tuning as circumstances may require. Students will be notified of any such adjustments or changes and they are responsible for noting and adopting them. If absent from class, or if late it is also the student s role to find out what he or she might have missed. It is immoral to simply assert that information or instruction was not given and then proceed to blame the instructor, when in fact one may have been absent from class or not paying attention when the matter was discussed. To accept responsibility is one of the clear indicators that a person is being truly educated. COURSE SCHEDULE DATE TOPIC Reading ACTIVITY Assignment Due 09/30 Course Introduction and List of Conferences Objectives Will provide report criteria Professional Conference Opportunities 10/2 The Challenges of Research Selecting a Topic Reviewing the Literature Week 2 10/07 Understanding Different Study Chap 6, Designs 7, 8 Dry run of conference presentations 10/09 No Class WSKW conference Week 3 10/14 Conferences Discussion Designing the literature review 10/16 Accessing library resources Chap 29 Meet in library lobby Article Structure Assign Critiques Week 4 10/21 Don t Believe Everything You Read Worst Study Ever 10/23 Critiquing Scientific Articles *Diet Comparison *Mammography *Seafood consumption Week 5 10/28 Case-Control, Cohort, and Experimental Designs Writing Strategies 10/30 Critically Revising Proper citations and referencing Week 6 11/04 In Class Exercise Editing Articles Chap 11,12,13 Chap 31,32 Dr. Thomas evaluates Article critique Draft for Peer Review Due 6

7 11/06 PowerPoint Design Week 7 11/11 Preparing PowerPoint Presentations Meet in Micol Lab Rough Draft Due 11/13 The Poster Abstract Poster Design Week 8 11/18 Poster Layout PosterAbstracts Due 11/20 Public Speaking Literature Review Due Thanksgiving Break Week 9 12/02 Critiquing Poster and PowerPoints Chap 33 12/04 Feedback on Literature Reviews Week 10 12/02 Classroom critiquing of proposed PowerPoint and Poster Presentations 12/04 Student PowerPoint Presentations Conference Reports Due FINAL EXAMINATION: - There will not be a final examination in this class. Instead regular class will be held during the exam scheduled time. Monday, December 9 11:00 am Student Poster Presentations Conference round-table discussion 7