This seminar course deals with critical issues related to Health Communication. The class is based on the analysis of existing theories as well as research findings and in-depth discussion. During the semester, students are expected to conduct research on a health communication relevant topic and present it to their peers. We will carefully examine an extensive body of literature in health communication and particularly in the context of individuals' information processes and decision making. This course will offer important insights into the development of effective health campaign messages and strategies with an emphasis on mediated communication. The course is aimed at developing and enhancing both students' theoretical and practical knowledge of health communication and research skills based on critical thinking and problem solving abilities. Topics include, but are not limited to, the interplay of media influences on individuals' decision-making about health, the effects of different health messages on particular audiences such as risk-takers, and the effects of media messages on individuals' perceptions of social reality. Health communication will be discussed in a number of contexts, including (1) effective health campaign strategies, (2) individuals' exposure to, search for, and use of health related information, (3) individuals' responses to health campaign media messages, (4) effective health campaign design, and (5) designing effective media messages targeting specific groups.

This course will help you to:

1. carefully examine recent literature on health communication in the context of mediated communication.

2. demonstrate a keen knowledge of theories and applications of health communication through scientific research papers and class discussions.

3. develop and enhance research skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

4. conduct an original study from conceptualization to final presentation of findings.

Requirements include reading assigned materials, preparing in-class presentations, participating in class discussions, conducting one research project, and a final presentation.

• Reading Assigned Materials: There are two articles per week. Students are responsible for all assigned readings and materials covered in class.

 

Required Text and Software: Mailbach, E. & Parrott, R. L. (1995), Designing Health Messages: Approaches from Communication Theory and Public Health Practice, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications & SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) - Student Version

• Class Participation: You are expected to participate in class discussion. Attendance and class participation counts for 20%. Each "UNEXCUSED" absence in my records will result in 5% of your total grade lost. In other words, if you have four (or more) unexcused absences, you will not receive any points for your class participation.

• A Research Project and a Final Presentation: Each student will conduct a research project and submit a final paper at the end of the semester. The final paper counts for 50% of your grade. It is your responsibility to consult with your instructor about your topic early in the semester. The final report is due on April 27 before 5:00PM.

• Final Presentation (10%): At the end of the semester, each student will make a formal presentation of their research findings to the class.

• Introduce Your Own Literature (20%): At the end of March, you will be asked to present two research papers from your town topic to class. You must pick two articles and make copies available for your classmates before the Spring break. Don't forget to email your instructor about the reference info. of the selected articles in advance.

The guidelines for writing a final paper and the final evaluation sheet will be posted on the Project Calendar. Please review them carefully and let me know if you need any extra help. It is very crucial to seek extra help BEFORE the final paper is due!

Please note that there are mininum requirments for your final research paper.

1. It must be theoretical. You must develop your hypotheses based on theories.

2. It must contain at least 25 references.

3. Writing should be clear and compliant with APA style. You are responsble for learning APA style.

4. Read the guidelines for submitting your paper to the AEJMC conference and follow the formats accordingly.

5. The paper should not exceed 30 pages, including references as well as figures.

During the semester, I will regularly check attendance. Eight points out of ten potential participation points will be given for attendance alone. Excused absences will not count against you. Excused absenses are given based on my discretion, prior to the absence having occured--not after (except for verifiable emergencies). You must consult with me by email, phone, or in person and provide appropriate documentation supporting your request.

Additionally, if I find you particularly active in providing useful insights and sharing RELEVANT experiences in class, you will receive 1 more point. If I find that you participate only minimally in the class discussions such as only presenting your thoughts when asked, you will not receive this point. If I find inappropriate behaviors (causing a disruption) such as reading unrelated materials or sleeping in class while others are discussing issues or presenting their case studies, you will loose 5% of your total grade (25% of your participation score). Each "UNEXCUSED" absence in my records will result in 5% of your total grade lost. In other words, if you have four (or more) unexcused absences, you will not receive any points for your class participation.

Each student will have an opportunity to introduce two articles to class. This will be counted as 20% of your grade. I give a better grade where the student presents the given materials effectively and presents critical and useful analysis to the class--not just repeating what you read. Please note that if you don't show up in class (unless excused), you will not be able to participate in class discussions, resulting in zero points for this assignment. Make-up presentations will not be given except for under exceptional circumstances. It is your responsibility to proactively seek and acquire information you missed due to an absence-regardless of whether the absence was excused or not.

Academic Honesty

Students should be aware of academic honesty in fulfilling all course requirements. Plagiarism is not permitted. If you use information from a publication, you must attribute a source.

• Reading a newspaper or other unrelated materials during class is not permitted.
• Sleeping during class is considered as an unexcused absence.
• Do not use cell phones or audible pagers.
• Food, drinks and tobacco products are not allowed in the classroom.

If you need individual assistance beyond the help you receive in class, you can see me during office hours or set up an appointment for another time. If you have any special concerns for your instructor to know in order to ensure your academic success in class, please inform me as soon as possible, so I can assist you accordingly. Please, see me if you have any problems! I consider my student's failure to learn as my own failure to teach effectively. We are going to work together to provide a high quality academic environment for our learning.

Special Assistance: "Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. Please notify the instructor during the first week of class of any accommodations needed for the course. Late notification may cause the requested accommodations to be unavailable. All accommodations must be approved through the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in Administration Annex 206 (Tel. 335-1566)."