Personal Health

Course Description

Study of determinants of healthful and safe living for various age groups; emphasis on analyses and interpretations of research methods and findings within a social ecological conceptual framework. Notes: Fulfills teacher licensure requirements; Elective for all others.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Explain major determinants of health and wellness.
  • Explain the concepts of health and wellness in a social/ecological context.
  • Identify social, behavioral, environmental, racial, gender, and other demographic factors affecting personal and community health.
  • Discuss relationships among healthful living, behavioral skills, knowledge, and attitudes.
  • Locate, analyze, and utilize accurate health information from a variety of reliable sources.
  • Identify factors that contribute to physical, mental, and/or social health.
  • Demonstrate the connection(s) of different aspects of wellness to the overall health of an individual or population.
  • Critically evaluate information and media sources in a variety of formats.
  • Incorporate and cite sources accurately and correctly.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Quizes 15%
Class Activity Portfolio 15%
Health Group Project 20%
Final Essay 25%
Attendance 25%

Grading Scale:

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
94.0 – 100.0%A
90.0 - 93.9%A-
87.0 - 89.9%B+
84.0 - 86.9%B
80.0 - 83.9%B-
77.0 - 79.9%C+
74.0 - 76.9%C
70.0 - 73.9%C-
67.0 - 69.9%D+
64.0 - 66.9%D
60.0 - 63.9%D-
<60.0%F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance and active participation are mandatory components of this course. Because the course follows a lecture-to-application format, each class meeting is important. Monday lectures introduce the week’s content, while Wednesday class activities allow students to apply and further explore that material. Missing either day may affect your ability to successfully complete future discussions, activities, reflections, and quizzes.

Attendance and discussion engagement account for 25 points, or 25% of your final grade. Each class meeting is worth 1 point. Attendance will be recorded via a paper attendance form during class. Students are responsible for completing the attendance form before leaving class. Completing the attendance form for another student or submitting the form while not physically present is considered academic misconduct.

Students will receive two free absences during the semester. These absences may be used for illness, mental health needs, personal emergencies, appointments, or other circumstances. Documentation is not required for these two absences. Students should notify the instructor before class whenever possible. Because only two free absences are provided, students are encouraged to save them for situations in which they are truly needed.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.