College of Public Health and Health Professions
PHC 6937: Community-Based Participatory Research
Spring 2013
Tuesdays Periods 7-9 (1:55 – 4:55 pm); HPNP G111 Instructor: Juliette Christie, PhD, MA
Research Assistant Professor
Department of Behavioral Science and Community Health
College of Public Health and Health Professions
1225 Center Drive, HPNP Room 4162
PO Box 100175; Gainesville, FL 32610-0175
(Tel) 352-273-6594; (Fax) 352-273-6048
Email: via Sakai
Office Hours: By Appointment
Teaching Assistant: Greg Riherd
Email: g.riherd@gmail.com
Course Overview: Advanced public health research methods applied to the challenges inherent
in the development of skills associated with community-based participatory research (CBPR) of
health promotion programs.
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course, you should be able to:
1. Discuss the conceptual and philosophical roots of community-based public health
research, as well as the values enhanced by this approach to research and program
development.
2. Define and distinguish between various approaches to community-based research,
including participatory approaches and community-located approaches.
3. Appraise the ethical challenges in conducting research with communities.
4. Describe the process and challenge of forming, maintaining and sustaining
partnerships with communities for CBPR.
5. Understand, evaluate, and apply the methods used in community-based public health
research.
6. Discuss the process of designing and implementing a research project in the context
of CBPR, including how to devise public health research programs in collaboration
with diverse communities and community representatives.
7. Translate the findings of community-based public health research projects to a variety
of audiences to facilitate the development of effective public health promotion
strategies and policy.
Course Materials:
Specific reading assignments for each week will be posted on Sakai and discussed in class.
Primary texts will include:
Isreal, B.A., Eng, E., Schulz, A. J., & Parker, E. A. (eds.). (2005). Methods in community-based
participatory research for health. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Additional readings will be taken from the current peer-reviewed journals from throughout the
field of public health and be made available on Sakai.
Course Requirements/Evaluation/Grading:
Assignments:
Reviewer Critiques via Sakai Discussion Board (5 points each; 25 points total; 25% of your
course grade): During the course of the semester and starting on the third week of class, each
student is tasked with choosing 5 assigned articles and writing a critique of for each article (see
criteria and reviewer critique outline on Sakai). For each critique, students will take the role of a
peer-referee and provide a scholarly critique of the assigned article. Reviewer critiques are due
by 8:00 p.m. the night before the assigned article will be discussed in class and should be
posted on the Sakai discussion board. NOTE: See document on Sakai outlining what
constitutes a scholarly critique, which extends beyond a summary of the article. Articles and
more information regarding assignment expectations and grading criteria will be provided on
Sakai. Critiques should be 1-2 single-spaced page(s). At the top of your critique in your
discussion post, please indicate your name, the critique # (e.g., 1, 2), and the article you
have chosen to review. Academic Integrity is a serious issue at UF and plagiarism detection
software will be used to identify similarity between your work and outside sources. See the
section on Academic Integrity for more information. (CO 1-5) Lead Author Presentation (20 points; 20% of your course grade): Each student will be
assigned one article for which s/he will take the role of lead author. In this capacity, the student
will lead the class in a review and brief discussion (Q&A) of the assigned article in his/her
choice format. All presentations must be 12-15 minutes, with an additional 5-10 minutes
designated for a question and answer session. Additional guidelines, expectations, and grading
criteria will be posted on Sakai. (CO 1-5)
Group Project (GP) Tasks and Final GP (20 points; 20% of your course grade): To gain
experience using CBPR methods, students will work with the Rural South Public Health Center
(RSPHTC) on a collaborative project between UF’s College of Public Health and Health
Professions and the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Institute of Public
Health to address advanced training needs of current public health workers. Specifically, we will
focus on assessing the HIV/AIDS needs of medically underserved areas in the state by carrying
out a community-based project in collaboration with state and community partners. A detailed
presentation of this collaborative initiative and your role in the project will be provided the
second week of classes. Your GP grade will consist of 8 GP tasks and an overall assessment of
the quality of your final project. (CO 3-6)
GP Presentation (25 points; 25% of your course grade): As part of your group project, you
will present your group project to the RSPHTC Management Team and community
partners/members. More details regarding presentation content and grading criteria will be
provided on Sakai. (CO 6-7)
Class Participation (10 points; 10% of your course grade): Students are expected to attend
and participate actively in all scheduled class meetings in order to obtain the full value of this
course. Attendance will not be taken; however, written opportunities to demonstrate class
participation (in addition to verbal) will be given to students who are present for class and who
thoughtfully participate on randomly selected dates. Typically, participation credit will be
based on “minute responses” or student participation in class lecture, discussions, and/or
activities. Minute responses are 1-2 minute student responses to (a[n]) instructor- or studentposed question(s) related to course content. Students are expected to provide well-crafted and
thoughtful responses on paper and to submit responses at the end of the class meeting. Full
credit for class participation will be based on the quality of the response provided or
participation displayed. (CO 1-6)
E-Learning/Sakai: An E-Learning site in Sakai will be available for the course containing
grades, discussion boards, and other information. E-learning is accessible at lss.at.ufl.edu or
my.ufl.edu. You must have a valid Gatorlink ID and password. For assistance, call the UF Help
Desk at 392-HELP
Questions about course material should be posted on the course discussion boards in Sakai.
Questions of a personal nature (grades, etc.) should be sent via email or discussed in person.
Additional Course Materials and Grade Updates: All course material, including supplemental
readings; additional information on assignments and grading rubrics; and grade updates will be
available on Sakai (the University of Florida’s e-Learning site). NOTE. The information posted
on Sakai is not meant to replace the content of the live course; the information is merely
provided to supplement student learning. Class announcements and related postings will be
made regularly regarding course content and in-class activities. As such, students are
expected to check Sakai before each class meeting and bring (paper or electronic) all
necessary materials to class as directed. This is a mandatory course requirement. Keep in mind
that all supplemental material, including readings, is included to enhance student learning and
understanding of course material.
Students are welcome to communicate with each other via posts on the discussion board. In fact,
discussions with peers of course material is encouraged and often helpful on many levels. Should
you wish to communicate via Sakai, please do so professionally and respectfully—as is expected
in the classroom. Please keep in mind, however, that the instructor will not monitor the
discussion board. If you have a specific question, please contact the instructor via email on
Sakai.
Your final grade in this course will consist of the following:
1. 5 Reviewer Critiques Posted on Sakai Discussion Board
2. Lead Author Presentation
3. GP Tasks and Final Project
4. GP Presentation
5. Class Participation
25 points
20 points
20 points
25 points
10 points
100 possible points
Grading Scale:
Total Course Points
92.5-100
89.5-92.4
86.5-89.4
82.5-86.4
79.5-82.4
76.5-79.4
72.5-76.4
69.5-72.4
66.5-69.4
62.5-66.4
59.5-62.4
59.4 and below
Percent of Course
Points (out of 100%)
93-100%
90-92%
87-89%
83-86%
80-82%
77-79%
73-76%
70-72%
67-69%
63-66%
60-62%
Below 60%
Letter Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DE
Grade Point
Equivalent
4.0
3.67
3.33
3.0
2.67
2.33
2.0
1.67
1.33
1.0
0.67
0.0
For greater detail on the meaning of letter grades and university policies related to them, see the
Registrar’s Grade Policy regulations at:
http://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/grades.aspx
Topical Outline*
Date Topic(s)
1/8
Introduction to the course
 Review of syllabus and assignments
 Sign up for lead author presentations
 Introduction to group project
Part 1: Philosophical and Ethical Foundations of CBPR
 Theoretical and practice roots of CBPR
 Defining CBPR
 Core values and principles
1/15
Review Schedule and Discuss Group Project Details
 Form groups
 Review IRB protocol and procedures
GP Guest Presentation(s)
 Project Infrastructure Overview
 RSPHTC Management Team Findings: Executive Summary
 Results of Previous Qualitative Data Collection
GP Task 1: 1) Draft IRB application
2) Complete Human Subjects CITI Training and send
certification to instructor by noon on 1/16.
1/22
Part 2: CBPR: Current Research Findings and Outstanding Needs
 Theoretical and practice roots (continued)
 Current practices and lessons learned
 Varieties of research in communities
GP Task 2: 1) Develop focus group questions for group project;
2) Submit to instructor for review
1/29
2/5
2/12
Part 3: Forming, Maintaining, & Sustaining Partnerships
 Establishing trust
 Partnership formation
 Partnership maintenance
Lead Author Presentation 1
Lead Author Presentation 2
Part 4: Planning and Conducting Research in context of CBPR
 Defining research questions
 Deciding on study design
GP Task 3: 1) Review instructor feedback on focus group questions;
2) Develop focus group script and consent form; submit to
instructor for review
3) Work on group presentation(s)
Part 4: Planning and Conducting Research in context of CBPR (continued)
 Methodological issues
 Ethical issues and IRB
Competency Training
 Cultural Communication Competency
 Working with the LGBT Community
GP Task 4 (Independent): Write a 1-page* reflection paper on competency
training received, including how you plan to incorporate cultural
communication competencies into your professional work and/or research
*Single-spaced, Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins
2/19
Part 4: Planning and Conducting Research in context of CBPR (continued)
 Analysis and interpretation (Guest Speaker)
GP Task 5: 1) Review instructor comments on focus group script;
2) Practice group presentations(s)
3) Q&A
2/20
GP Task 6: Present project, focus group script, and focus group questions to
CAB/RSPHTC Management Team from 8:30-10:00 a.m. *location TBA
NO CLASS; Participant recruitment for focus groups
NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK 
2/26
3/5
3/12
Part 5: Dissemination and Translation
 How CBPR assists in translation
 Evaluation of CBPR
THIS WEEK: GP Task 7: Conduct Focus Group(s)
3/19
Part 6: Outcomes of CBPR
 Effecting social change and public policy
 Social justice
 Addressing health disparities
THIS WEEK: GP Task 7: Conduct Focus Group(s)
3/26
Part 6: Outcomes of CBPR (continued)
Lead Author Presentation 6
Lead Author Presentation 7
GP Task 8: Data Analysis
4/2
Part 7: Next Steps and Future Trends
 Synthesizing what we know
 Essential tenants
Lead Author Presentation 3
Lead Author Presentation 4
Lead Author Presentation 5
GP Task 8 (continued): Complete Data Analysis & Address
Questions/Concerns
4/9
4/16
Finalize projects
Practice GP Presentations
4/17
Final Project Presentation to RSPHTC Management Team and Community
Partners/Members from 8:30-10:00 a.m. *location TBA
4/23 NO CLASS
*subject to change; any and all changes will be posted on Sakai one week before affected
schedule.
**Yellow-highlighting denotes meeting times outside of general course schedule, excluding
focus groups.
Academic Integrity: Students are expected to act in accordance with the University of Florida
policy on academic integrity (see Student Conduct Code, the Graduate Student Handbook or
these web sites for more details:
http://www.dso.ufl.edu/sccr/honorcodes/conductcode.php
http://www.dso.ufl.edu/studenthandbook/studentrights.php
http://gradschool.ufl.edu/students/introduction.html
Cheating, lying, misrepresentation, or plagiarism in any form is unacceptable and inexcusable
behavior.
We, the members of the University of Florida community,
pledge to hold ourselves and our peers
to the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
Attendance and Make-up Work: First, I expect you to attend and to be prepared to participate
actively in all class sessions. Should you miss class, you are responsible for contacting another
student for all lecture materials, handouts, and announcements made during class. Second, all
course assignments are due at the beginning of the designated class period. Personal issues with
respect to class attendance or fulfillment of course requirements will be handled on an individual
basis.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: If you require classroom accommodation
because of a disability, you must first register with the Dean of Students Office
(http://www.dso.ufl.edu/). The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to you,
which you then give to the instructor when requesting accommodation. The College is
committed to providing reasonable accommodations to assist students in their coursework.
Counseling and Student Health: Students may occasionally have personal issues that arise in
the course of pursuing higher education or that may interfere with their academic performance. If
you find yourself facing problems affecting your coursework, you are encouraged to talk with an
instructor and to seek confidential assistance at the UF Counseling & Wellness Center, 352-3921575. Visit their web site for more information: http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/.
The Student Health Care Center at Shands is a satellite clinic of the main Student Health Care
Center located on Fletcher Drive on campus. Student Health at Shands offers a variety of clinical
services, including primary care, women's health care, immunizations, mental health care, and
pharmacy services. The clinic is located on the second floor of the Dental Tower in the Health
Science Center. For more information, contact the clinic at 392-0627 or check out the web site
at: www.health.ufl.edu/shcc
Crisis intervention is always available 24/7 from:
Alachua County Crisis Center:
(352) 264-6789
http://www.alachuacounty.us/DEPTS/CSS/CRISISCENTER/Pages/CrisisCenter.aspx
BUT – Do not wait until you reach a crisis to come in and talk with us. We have helped many
students through stressful situations impacting their academic performance. You are not alone so
do not be afraid to ask for assistance.
Course Format: To provide an optimal learning environment, a variety of teaching methods will
be used in class. Teaching methods include, but are not limited to: lectures; textbook and
supplemental readings; videos and video clips; guest speakers; in-class activities and student
reflections on material; and instructor- and student-lead discussions of material. Students should
come to class prepared to participate actively in class lectures and discussions, as well as
complete in-class activities. That said, it is expected that all assigned readings will be read prior
to class meetings. Active participation is encouraged to enhance learning, to promote student
interest and curiosity, and to make class meetings more practically significant.
Expectations of Class Demeanor: Students are expected to arrive to class on time, refrain from
cell phone use, and ONLY use laptops/ipads for taking notes. Upon the first violation, class
participation grades will be automatically reduced to 7/10 for students who disrupt class by using
cell phones (e.g., texting during class) or laptops/ipads to surf the web, face book, etc. Upon the
second or additional violation(s), students will be asked to leave class. Additionally, students are
expected to provide their undivided attention during lecture, lead author presentations, and group
presentations, as well as during class discussions and student-instructor dialogues that take place
during scheduled class time. It is my expectation that all students respect all class participants
and communications.