Health Sciences: Health Promotion

Introduces common theories from behavioral and social sciences that are currently being used in health education and health promotion. Focus on issues such as sexual health, smoking, and chronic diseases to support the skill building necessary to effectively motivate behavior change and improve health outcomes. Prerequisite: HSCI 1100.

Prereqs enforced by the system: HSCI 1100

This course introduces students to common theories from behavioral and social sciences that are currently being used in health education and health promotion. Students will explore and apply theories and planning models used by health education specialists and in public health program development and implementation. Case studies focused on issues such as sexual health, smoking and chronic diseases will be used to support students in building the skills they need to effectively motivate behavior change and improve health outcomes in individuals and populations.

By the end of the course, students will be able to: 1) Describe the history and foundations of health promotion and education. 2) Discuss the importance of using theories and planning models in health promotion and education. 3) Examine the intersection of health promotion and the local, national, and global public health issues impacting individuals and populations. 4) Apply the following theories and models to public health issues: a. Health Belief Model b. Transtheoretical Model c. Theory of Reasoned Action and Planned Behavior d. Theories of Stress and Coping e. Social Cognitive Theory f. Social Marketing g. Diffusion of Innovations h. Freire’s Model of Adult Education 5) Debate ethical dilemmas in health promotion.

Attendance, participation, case studies, group presentation, reflection papers, reading quizzes, and exams.