Principles of Public Health
Spring 2014
10:832:232
1/15/14
Note: This syllabus is subject to change throughout the semester.
Instructor: Marci Berger, MA, MPH, PhD
E-mail: mberger@usrealestateacq.com
Phone: 732-603-9375
Office Hours: By Appointment
Overview:
This is a survey course about public health. We will briefly cover many different
facets of public health including community health; data; diseases; the life cycle;
environmental issues; and various emerging issues. We will learn about these
topics through textbook readings, news articles, class discussions and other
media. Although this class is large, discussion is an integral part of this
course and will count for 20% of the final grade.
Our discussions will often focus on how current events – as emphasized through
news articles - inform the textbook readings. It is imperative that you read the
articles PRIOR to class and bring them with you. Occasionally, I will change the
assigned news articles to capture something very current in the news. We will
also study events in real world that impact public health such as – Natural
disasters (Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina), technology and genetically modified
foods, the spread of diseases.
Themes for the Course, often threaded throughout lectures:
1. The diverse roles of public health
2. Government’s place in protecting the health of its citizens
3. The importance of communicating information and the different methods
involved
4. Data - a foundation of public health and its various uses
5. How technology, including electronic communication and genetic research,
contributes to public health
6. The conflict between individual, or personal, vs. community
responsibilities
7. Rethinking to role of preventive care
As we move through the semester, some of these broad questions may help you
focus on the material:
 Can you explain what is meant by the “diverse role” of public health in our
lives? What are some specific examples.
 Where there certain topics that were connected throughout the lectures?
For example, what public health topics would you use to discuss the
ramifications of Hurricane Sandy?
 In what ways does public health specifically impact our daily lives?
Additionally, the following core learning outcomes will be emphasized during the
semester:
Goal H: Understand the bases and development of human and societal
endeavors across time and space;
Goal N: Apply concepts about human and social behavior to particular
questions and situations;
Goal W: Formulate, evaluate and communicate conclusions and inferences
from quantitative information.
Required Text:
McKenzie, James, Robert Pinger and Jerome Kotecki: An Introduction to
Community Health, 7th ed. 2012, Jones and Barttlett
Additional Required Articles:
You will be assigned various articles weekly in addition to the textbook readings.
Some weeks your required readings may consist only of articles. I WILL
PROVIDE YOU WITH CITATIONS FOR THE ARTICLES, NOT ALWAYS DIRECT
LINKS. You are expected to be able to conduct a search for the required articles,
many of which CANNOT be found simply through using Google. You will often
have to use the Rutgers University Library database.
Some databases you may find useful include:
Access World News – For Star Ledger articles
Westlaw
EBSCO – For magazines, including TIME
Factiva
JSTOR
You are expected to complete ALL readings prior to class as a requirement for
participation in class discussions. Please bring copies of the articles to class with
you each week.
Grading:
Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Final
Class Participation
Group Project
15%
15%
30%
20%
20%
Grading is based on performance on 1 exam, 2 quizzes, a group project and
class participation. If you don’t attend class, you cannot get credit for
participating in the discussion. Discussion is an integral part of the course.
Please note that class participation is 20% of your final grade. If you
are not comfortable participating in class discussions, please think
twice about taking this class! There are other sections of this class
that may not emphasize discussion.
The Group Project will be discussed in class and guidelines for the assignment
will also be handed out.
All material covered by the texts, class discussions, videos, additional readings,
lectures and guest lecturers are to be expected on the exams.
A Note on Class Participation:
After each class I assign all students an individual grade based on the following
scale: +(95); - (85); 0 (70). Class participation is assessed weekly based on
the quality of comments, not quantity. I am looking for evidence that a student
has completed the assigned readings and arrives to class prepared for
discussion. I assess this through the questions, comments and statements made
(or not) by students each week. To calculate the final class participation grade, I
use an average of these class-specific grades.
To Facilitate Class Participation:
Since this is a large class that meets twice a week, we will break into two smaller
discussion groups on designated class meeting days. These sessions will
function as a smaller discussion section, allowing students to ask questions,
express viewpoints and share information. Discussion days are subject to
change. Please make a note of the following dates for discussion sections:
Thursdays: January 30; February 20, February 27, March 27, April 3,
April 10.
The class will randomly be divided into 2 groups during Week 2.
Group 1 will meet from 12:05 – 12:40 on discussion days
Group 2 will meet from 12:45 – 1:20 on discussion days
Absences:
Class participation is a key element of this class. Discussions and lectures will
touch on points not covered by the lecture notes, so attending each class is
important as is taking notes during class. If you don’t attend class, you can’t
participate in the discussion. If you expect to miss one or two classes, please
use the University absence reporting website, https://sims.rutgers.edu/ssra/ to
indicate the date and reason for your absence. An email is automatically sent to
me. While this is officially true, you may also opt to speak with me directly
about your absences.
Papers:
Assignments that are to be handed in are due at the beginning of the class
period. Unless otherwise noted, assignments are to be handed in by hard copy,
not e-mail. Late assignments will lose one full grade for each day
they are late. Assignment extensions MUST be discussed no less than 2
days in advance of the due date.
Exams:
Exam/Quiz clashes are to be discussed with the professor AT LEAST 4
DAYS IN ADVANCE of scheduled testing date. ONE alternative testing date
will be offered for use by ALL students. Requests for an alternative date
received less than 4 days in advance will not be honored. Only valid exam
clashes will be grounds for utilizing the alternative date such as a conflict with
another exam. Family social engagements and volunteer activities are NOT
legitimate conflict reasons.
If there is serious illness or an emergency on the day of the exam, contact Ms.
Berger IMMEDIATELY. Failure to make alternative arrangements prior to
an exam will result in a 0 for that exam. There are no make-up exams for
unexcused absences.
Any questions regarding the grading of exams must be brought to Ms. Berger’s
attention within 4 DAYS after receipt back of graded exam. Questions
regarding exam grades will not be considered after this time period.
Group Project:
Each student is expected to work in a group to present a group project. You will
receive a separate handout with the information about this project later in the
semester.
Groups will present during the last few weeks of the semester. Please note that
ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY ON EACH GROUP PRESENTATION DAY, EVEN IF
YOU ARE NOT PRESENTING. Those students with unexcused absences on group
presentation days will have 2 points per day missed deducted from their final
class participation grade.
Use of electronics in class:
Laptops are to be used by students for notetaking only. Please do not surf the
net or send e-mails during class. Do NOT send an e-mail to me during class
time. Cellphones must be turned OFF during class time. Texting during class
time will not be tolerated.
Sending e-mail:
I check e-mail daily. If you send me an e-mail, please make sure you include the
following: a greeting (such as “Dear Professor Berger” or “Hello Ms. Berger”);
the class name (I teach more than one class); and please sign off with your
name.
Coursework Requirements:
Rutgers University Policy on Academic Integrity applies to all coursework.
Students in this class and in all courses at Rutgers University are expected to
uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Cheating, plagarism in
written work, receiving and providing unauthorized assistance and sabotaging
the work of others are among the behaviors that constitute violations of the
Policy on Academic Integrity. You are expected to be familiar with this policy.
If you are not familiar with this policy, please review it at:
http://ctaar.rutgers.edu/integrity/policy.html.
You are expected to complete the assigned readings prior to class to be able to
participate in a class discussion.
Schedule:
January 23 - Intro/Lecture 1
Public Health, Community Health and Health
Policy
History of public health… Why Public Health can be Controversial …Why
Communication is important
READ:
Chapter 1; Chapter 2 (skim)
Articles:
 NYT (New York Times): “Owning a Dog Is Linked To Reduced Health
Risk” by Anahad O’Connor, 5/10/13
 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Ten Great Public
Health Achievements – United States, 2001-2010. May 20, 2011, Vol.60,
No. 19
January 27, 30 - Lecture 2
Data and Introduction to Epidemiology
Types of Data…Importance of Epidemiology…Emergency Preparedness
Handout for group projects
READ:
Chapter 3, pp. 62-84
Articles:
Data:
 NYT: “Defining An Illness is Fodder for Debate” by David Tuller, 3/8/11
Emergency Preparedness
 NYT Magazine: “The Deadly Choices at Memorial” by Sherri Fink,
8/25/09
 Thinkprogress.org: “Public Health Threats Linger in the Wake of
Hurricane Sandy” by Tara Culp-Ressler, 11/1/12
 Time Magazine: “Storm Warning: A Katrina Ravaged Hospital Grapples
with Mercy and Death” A book review (about the Deadly Choices at
Memorial article) by Radhika Jones, 9/23/13
 News.rutgers.edu: News Release – “Hurricane Sandy’s Damage to
Mental Health Comes to Light” 11/24/13
February 3, 6 -
Lecture 3
Epidemiology Part II
Incidence and Prevalence…Types of Studies…Limits of Epidemiology…Basic Statistics
READ:
Chapter 3 pp. 84-94
Articles:
 NYT Magazine: “Do We Really Know What Makes Us Healthy?” by Gary
Taubes, 9/16/07. Also known as “Unhealthy Science”
 NYT: “ Translation Matters in Choices on Data” by Nicholas Bakalar,
5/31/11
 NYT: “Do Clinical Trials Work?” by Clifton Leaf, 7/14/13
 Healthy People 2020: “Health Communication and Health Information
Technology”
VIEW IN CLASS: INFLUENZA 1918
February 10, 13 - Lecture 4
Prevention and Control of Diseases
Infectious diseases… Chronic conditions …The Chain of Infection
Group Projects and topics due by 9am 2/10; must be finalized by 2/13
Read: Chapter 4
Articles:
 NYT: “When Health is at Stake, the Waiting is the Hardest Part” by Jan
Hoffman, 7/24/12
 The Nation’s Health: “New Movie Puts Public Health, Infectious
Diseases in Spotlight: Behind the Scenes of ‘Contagion’” by Kim Krisberg,
Sept. 2011, vol. 41, no. 7 1-10
VIEW IN CLASS: CONTAGION
February 17, 20 – Lecture 5
Life Cycle 1: Maternal, Infant, Child and
Adolescents/Young Adults
Prenatal Care…Adolescence….Vaccines
Read: Chapter 7; Chapter 8
Articles:
 Time Magazine: “Bad Medicine. Putting Jenny McCarthy on The View is
media malpractice” by James Poniewozik, 7/29/13
 NYT: “Grasping Risk in Life’s Classroom” by John Tierney, 7/19/11
 S.L. : “Princeton brings in unapproved vaccine” by Amy Ellis Nutt,
11/19/13
 www.cdc.gov: “New Study Shows HPV Vaccine Helping Lower HPV
Infection Rates in Teen Girls” Press Release, 6/19/13
 Healthland.Time.com: blog: “Scientists Decode an Unborn Baby’s DNA.
Is it Cause for Celebration – or Alarm? By Bonnie Rochman, 6/6/12
VIEW IN CLASS: cbs.com: Story on doctors and vaccinating patients, 2/16/12
February 24, 27 – Lecture 6
Life Cycle 2: Elderly … and Genetics
READ: Chapter 9
Articles:
Elderly
 NYT: “Meaningful Markers of Aging” by David Stipp, 7/23/13
 Dailybeast.com/newsweek: “The Case for Killing Granny: Rethinking
End of Life Care” by Evan Thomas, 9/11/09
 Associated Press (S.L.): “Baby Boomers, Complex Treatment Present
Challenges for Cancer Care” by Lauran Neergaard, 9/11/13
Genetics
 NYT: “Push to Test for Cancer Gene Sets Up a Dilemma in Israel” by
Roni Caryn Rabin, 11/27/13
 S.L. “Would You Like to Share Your DNA Code Today?” by Barbara Shelly,
12/10/13
 News.rutgers.edu: Research News: “Most Americans Pay Little Attention
to Genetically Modified Foods”, 11/1/13
 Doctoroz.com: “ Genetically Modified Foods: Get the Facts” for a quick
pro/con review
>The New York Times blog has great resources for the elderly on the web.
>Good background on genetically modified food @ discovery.com: Top 10
Genetically Modified Food Products by Diana Bocco
VIEW IN CLASS: “The Many Faces of Aging in America” or PARO video
@cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2009/04/15/eod.lah.robot.seal.cnn OR
youtube.com/watch?v=8Gm2ogdLVE
***March 3, 6 - TBA. Guest Lecture
on International Health ***
March 10 : QUIZ 1.
Review material up to and including Lecture 6
March 13 - Lecture 7
Emerging Topics in Public Health
Technology… Confidentiality… Preventive Care
No text, just articles.
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Technology:
NYT: “ Unreported Side Effects of Drugs Are Found Using Internet
Search Data, Study Finds” by John Markoff, 3/7/13
Time Magazine: “the Doctor Will Skype You Now” by Alexandra Sifferlin,
1/13/14
www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek: “The Body-Data Craze” by
Alissa Quart, 6/26/13
Confidentiality:
ON SAKAI… NJ Lawyer: “Public Policy Can Trump Patient’s
Confidentiality” by Scibiorsky, Chris, 12/31/07
Preventive Care:
www.pbsnews.org: PBS Newshour, interview by Gwen Ifill: “Are
Annual Mammograms Necessary? Physicians Debate Tool’s Prevention
Capability” 12/28/12
www.reuters.com: “Think preventive medicine will save money? Think
again” by Sharon Begley, 1/29/13
www.bloomberg.com: “PSA Exams Should End in Men Without Cancer
Symptoms, Panel Says” by Molly Peterson and Michelle Fay Cortez,
10/7/11
VIEW IN CLASS: Building a $325,000 Burger…Is this the food of the future?
***March 17, 20 : No Class, Spring
Break!!***
March 24, 27 – Lecture 8
Health Care Reform and the Role of Government in
Public Health
Health Care Disparities
Health Care Reform…USDA/FDA…Population…Health Disparities
READ: Chapter 10
Parts of Chapter 13: pp. 394-416; 442-425
Articles:
 www.APHA.org: American Public Health Association. Fact Sheets:
Affordable Care Act Overview: Selected Provisions, August 2012. Also –
Affordable Care Act Overview: Summaries of Selected Provisions, August
2012.
 Star Ledger: (Associated Press): “Race May Play Role in Cervical
Cancer” by Marilyn Marchione, 4/2/12
 NYT: “Black Women’s Poorer Fate in Breast Cancer Cases Is Tied to
Later Diagnoseis” by Tara Parker Pope, 7/24/13
 Cnn.com: “FDA Hopes to Curb Antibiotic Use on Farms”, 12/12/13
 From cnn.com: thelead.blogs.cnn.com: Report: “Government
Subsidizing Junk Food Ingredients” by Jake Tapper, 7/17/13
VIEW IN CLASS: Video from “The Lead” report
March 31, April 3 – Lecture 9
Environmental Health
Clean Air…Clean Water…Solid Waste
READ: Chapter 14
Articles:
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NYT: “Domestic Detox: Cleaning to Extremes” by Penelope Green,
5/27/10
NYT: “A City That Turns Garbage Into Energy Copes with a Shortage” by
John Tagliabue, 4/29/13
Discovermagazine.com: “The World’s Largest Dump: The Great
Pacific Garbage Patch” by Thomas Kostigen, 7/10/08.
www.discovermagazine.com/2008/jul/10-the-worlds-largest-dump/article
Manuel, John. “The Long Road to Recovery: Environmental Impacts of
Hurricane Sandy” in Environmental Health Perspectives, vol.121, #5 May,
2013
www.businessweek.com : “Washington State Rejects GMO Labels,
With Help From Food Companies” by Justin Bachman 11/6/13
VIEW IN CLASS: Taking the Waste Out of Wastewater –
nytimes.com/2012/04/22/opinion/Sunday/taking-the-waste-out-ofwastewater.html?_r=1
April 7, 10 – Lecture 10
Current Public Health Concerns
Individual Responsibility…. Obesity…ADHD, Communication and PR
No text, just articles
Articles:
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Brownell, Kelly; Kersh, Rogan and David Ludwig, Personal Responsibility
And Obesity: a Constructive Approach to a Controversial Issue. Health
Affairs, 4/1/10, Vol. 29 Issue 3
NYT: “The Selling of Attention Deficit Disorder” by Allan Schwarz,
12/15/13
S.L.: “A Ban Gone Too Far” Editorial, 6/2/12
S.L. (from Associated Press): “Parents Should Lose Custody of Obese
Kids, Experts Argue” by Lindsey Tanner, 7/13/11
VIEW IN CLASS: Weight of the Nation Part 1or 2
April 14 - QUIZ 2
Covers Lectures 7- 10
April 17 – Group Projects
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Groups present today
Each group has 10 minutes
See handout for specific information
Attendance is mandatory!!!
April 21, 24 – Group Projects
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Groups present today
Each group has 10 minutes
See handout for specific information
Attendance is mandatory!!!
April 28, May 1: Group Projects/Exam
Review
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Groups present today
Each group has 10 minutes
See handout for specific information
Attendance is mandatory!!!
May 5: Last Class … Final Exam