In this course, we’ll discuss health as more than a state of physical well-being. Health relates to who we are as individuals, how we relate to others, what we value and perceive as important in our lives, and the way we respond to the day-to-day changes, challenges and experiences of life. Health/wellness signifies lifelong growth, development and integration of the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual human potential. This course focuses on your personal health through these lenses. Your personal health includes the choices you make embedded within your environment and social contexts, over time. Therefore, this course is also guided by the theories, competencies and frameworks of public health and the social determinants of health. Guiding Questions: What affects my health “choices” and behaviors? What factors impact the health of individuals and communities at local, state, and national levels? Course Goals Through course readings and interaction with a range of learning resources, students will critically engage and personally reflect on public and personal health and wellness. After this course, students will be familiar with the current national health recommendations as well as significant health disparities. Students will also possess skills to critically reflect on scientific and non-scientific health writing and information. Student Objectives and Learning Outcomes Students will: • Become familiar with national guidelines related to several health practices and behaviors. • Reflect on their personal health behaviors. • Understand how individual health is influenced by an interplay of factors at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy levels. • Consider strategies to promote behavior change. • Examine public health issues and critically engage with health information and reporting • Practice critical and reflective academic writing

Student Responsibilities • Purchase the online textbook the first week of classes (please contact me if you have issues accessing the textbook) • Submit all assignments on time – by 11:59 pm each Saturday. This class moves quickly, and it’s important that you keep up with the flow of each week. Any assignment received within a week after its due date will receive a 10% grade deduction. Any assignment received over a week past its due date (without prior permission) will not be accepted for credit. • Submit scholarly work. Please pay attention to spelling, grammar and citation in your work. Opinions need to be presented in a respectful manner. We will be studying contemporary health topics that may have personally affected students in this course. I expect and hope for mature, inclusive, and respectful participation from all students. Please contact me if you have concerns or sensitivity to the issues addressed in class. For information on organizations and offices at UVM that support student health and well-being, visit the UVM Resources link on the main menu.

Student Assessments and Course Grading Weekly online health survey 20% • Reading comprehension • Course participation • Critical thinking • Integration of key concepts • Effective writing skills Journal 30% Discussion Board/Flip Grid 20% Personal Health Portfolio 30%