PH 5102-Wilkerson Fall 2015
Syllabus
Health Disparities Core Seminar
PH 5102 Fall 2015
There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because
we do not live single-issue lives.
Audre Lorde
Feature
Instructor & TA
Information
Considerations
J. Michael Wilkerson, PhD, MPH
E-mail: Johnny.M.Wilkerson@uth.tmc.edu
Office phone: (713) 500-9974
Office fax: (713) 500-3650
Address: University Center Tower, 7000 Fannin Street,
Suite 2620, Houston, Texas 77030
Website: https://sph.uth.edu/jmwilkerson/
Skype: southaustinmike
Google Hangout: jmikewilkerson@gmail.com
TA: Amber Armstead
E-mail: Amber.Armstead@uth.tmc.edu
Skype: amberbarmstead
Google Hangout: amberbarmstead@gmail.com
My office hours vary. You are welcome to stop in and talk with me
if you see my office door open. If there is a topic you wish to
discuss in depth, I encourage you to make an appointment to
ensure adequate time for discussion.
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PH 5102-Wilkerson Fall 2015
Welcome!
Welcome to PHM 5102. I am an Assistant Professor in Health
Promotion and Behavioral Sciences on the Houston campus. My
academic training includes a PHD in adult, professional, and
community education, a MSEd in health education, a MPH in
epidemiology, and a BBA in marketing. I have worked in
community health education for nearly twenty years, coordinating
programs in an AIDS service organization, a corporate wellness
program, and a university student health center. My research
interests include HIV/STI prevention, LGBT health disparities, and
technology-based intervention development. I look forward to
getting to know each of you.
Course
Description
PH 5102: Health Disparities Core Seminar
Textbook
and Materials
There is no textbook required for this course. Students are
expected to attend class each week, select and
read/present/discuss disparities publications.
Course Topics
and Learning
Objectives
2
1 credit
In-person or over ITV
Every Thursday from 2:00-2:50pm Central Time Zone
This is a seminar course for students in the Health Disparities
concentration. The seminar is a venue for students to discuss
current health disparities issues in a supportive environment of
peers and faculty.
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Describe health disparities issues
Prepare presentation of relevant articles
Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of health disparities
papers
PH 5102-Wilkerson Fall 2015
Method of
Instruction and
Work
Expectations
In this course, the students will determine the topics discussed in
class. At some point in the semester, students will…
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By accessing the UTHealth library’s databases, identify an
important/leading publication/paper issued in the last 36
months in the field of health disparities. The paper may
address any disparity of interest (e.g., racial/ethnic, gender,
age, disability, or LGBTQ).
Present research papers to the class (at least once a
semester)
Lead the class discussion around the paper, including
stating at least one question to the class (at least once a
semester)
For each class when not presenting and leading
discussion: read the paper selected by the student for
presentation, prepare one relevant question and participate
in class discussion
Continue discussions as indicated on Canvas
Use of Canvas:
We are using Canvas to extend our in-class discussions. The
more you share ideas with your colleagues, the more you will
learn. You are encouraged to use this space to explore ideas, ask
the questions you might otherwise be too embarrassed to ask,
and respectfully debate different perspectives. Canvas can be
accessed at https://bb.uth.tmc.edu. University Library and Online
Collection accessed through www.sph.uth.tmc.edu.
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PH 5102-Wilkerson Fall 2015
REVIEW OF ARTICLES
You must come to class having read the assigned article submit one written
question relating the article in writing before class.
Once during the semester, you are expected to choose and present one recently
published article related to health disparities. While you can choose any aspect
of health disparities that interests you, please try to select a topic or perspective
not previously discussed.
Instructions for the presentation:
1. Identify an article that relates to health disparities and that was published in
2013-2015 in a professional peer-reviewed journal. Do a literature search. There
are classes at the library that can help you with literature searches.
2. Email your article to Dr. Wilkerson the Friday before you are scheduled to do
your in-class presentation. Dr. Wilkerson will post your article onto Canvas, so
your colleagues can download the article and read it before coming to class.
3. Prepare a brief presentation of the article and lead the class discussion.
When you review the article, structure your presentation as suggested below:
General description and analysis (5-10 minutes)
Briefly summarize and critically assess (ie give your own opinion) in your own
words. Only answer the questions that are relevant for your paper.
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What is the main intent of the authors?
What methodology (for example: case study, review of the literature, survey,
cross sectional study, longitudinal study) do the authors use to present their
ideas?
Is the methodology adequate to answer the authors’ question?
What do the authors conclude from their work?
Is there enough evidence to support the authors’ conclusions?
Did the authors convince you of their perspective?
How does this article relate to other course readings?
Questions for discussion (40 minutes)
Proposes one questions related to the article that you want to discuss with the
class.
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PH 5102-Wilkerson Fall 2015
Course Calendar and Topics:
Class Dates
1
Sept 3
2
Sept 10
3
Sept 17
4
Sept 24
5
Oct 1
6
Oct 8
7
Oct 15
8
Oct 22
9
Oct 29
10
Nov 5
11
Nov 12
12
Nov 19
Nov 26
13
Dec 3
14
Dec 10
5
Topic
Review syllabus
& sign up to be a
presenter
Thanksgiving
Reading
None
Presenter
Introductions
PH 5102-Wilkerson Fall 2015
Course Menu
Tabs and
Resources
Below are some of the names of the Course Menu tabs on Canvas and
a short description of the contents.
Course Menu Tabs and Discussion Folders
Announcements
Introductions
Course Materials
Discussion Board
Tools
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Description
On-going information
about course activities,
including weekly video with
comments about course
materials, exam
preparation, etc.
Please create a thread to
introduce yourself to the
class; include a picture!
Weekly lectures, readings,
and group project
instructions; exams are
posted here too
Discussion threads include
general discussion, weekly
questions, and learning
summaries; threads are
organized by week due
Roster, grades, emailing
function, etc.
PH 5102-Wilkerson Fall 2015
Policies
and
Procedures
Privacy and Confidentiality
Frequently, we will have The material in this course lends itself to the
establishing of ground rules. In this course, we will use the RESPECT
model for establishing ground rules:
R = take RESPONSIBILITY for what you say and feel without blaming
others
E = use EMPATHETIC listening
S = be SENSITIVE to differences in communication styles
P = PONDER what you hear and feel before you speak
E = EXAMINE your own assumptions and perceptions
C = keep CONFIDENTIALITY
T = TRUST ambiguity, because we are not here to debate who is right
or wrong
Source: The Bush Was Blazing but Not Consumed by Eric H. F. Law
I would like for each of us to agree to keep our communications among
ourselves. Whatever we say to each other, whether in informal
discussion or in a formal paper will stay within our group. I promise not
to discuss any of your work outside the academic arena.
If you work for an organization, it is imperative that you do not share
information that is confidential, privileged, or proprietary in nature.
Please be mindful of any contracts that you have agreed to with your
organizations.
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PH 5102-Wilkerson Fall 2015
Course Standards
During the course itself, students achieve certain learning outcomes. All
performance assessment depends upon the accomplishment of these
outcomes. Students are graded on achievement rather than effort. It is
the responsibility of each student to come to class prepared for each
week.
The University trusts that each student will maintain high standards of
honesty and ethical behavior. All assignments submitted in fulfillment of
course requirements must the student’s own work. All assignments
except those designated as “learning team” are meant to be individual
efforts. Team efforts are meant to represent the effort of each individual
student. Team projects and assignments should represent equal efforts
by all team members.
Academic Honesty
Please remember that you signed the academic integrity policy at
orientation. No academic dishonesty of any kind (including
copying/plagiarism) will be tolerated. All suspected academic dishonesty
(actual or attempted) or other violations of the student code of conduct
will be immediately reported to the UTSPH Associate Dean for
Academic Affairs.
Dropping the Course
If for any reason you decide to drop the class, please notify me by
telephone or e-mail. Since you are also part of a learning group and
there is a group project, we are counting on your input and it is vital to
others’ learning experience. If you just disappear and fail to notify the
class and me, you will receive a failing grade.
Disability Accommodation
If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please
contact Anne Baronitis, 504 Disability Coordinator for the School of
Public Health at anne.i.baronitis@uth.tmc.edu or (713) 500- 9030.
This syllabus is to be followed for all assignments. It supersedes any other
information.
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