First-Year Seminars
SPHHS First-Year Seminar Course Descriptions - Fall 2023
191PHHS14 FYS- U-Thrive: Explore Public Health and Health Sciences
Primary Audience: First-year students only (freshman of sophomore status)
This seminar will support your transition to college and introduce you to a topic in public health and health sciences. The first six weeks will provide foundational skills for students to thrive at UMass. The last seven weeks will focus on exploring a topic in public health and health sciences of your choosing. Please see PHHS course topics below:
191PHHS14 Sections (01, 02, & 03): Becoming a Health Advocate
191PHHS14; Section (01); Health Advocacy; Class number: 85502; Mo 1:25PM - 2:15PM
191PHHS14; Section (02); Health Advocacy; Class number: 85618; Mo 10:10AM - 11:00AM
191PHHS14; Section (03); Health Advocacy; Class number: 85619; We 9:05AM - 9:55AM
What does it mean to be a public health advocate? This 1-credit course aims to answer this question by exploring the meaning of public health advocacy and our individual role(s) in it. Throughout the semester, we will gain an understanding of the various methods of public health advocacy and practice advocacy work through real-world application.
191PHHS14; Section (04): The Science of Human-Animal Interaction
191PHHS14; Section (04); Human-Animal Interaction; Class number: 85620; Mo 1:25PM - 2:15PM
Students will actively learn about the novel field of science exploring human-animal interaction and the human-animal bond, defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association as “a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both.” This course will explore this complex and pioneering field of study and examine the numerous ways in which interactions with animals impact a wide variety of human physical, social, mental, and emotional health outcomes. Our topics will range from childhood attentional and emotional outcomes to adult physical activity, to older adult cognitive health and social interactions.
191PHHS14; Section (05): Public Health Fact or Fiction (RAP)
191PHHS14; Section (05); Public Health Fact or Fiction; Class number: 85621; Mo 12:20PM - 1:10PM
There is vast misinformation amongst the general public on health recommendations. Students will learn how to scientifically interpret pop science articles, where to find data informed recommendations, and how to communicate this information. Students will come away from this course with the tools to decipher accurate health information and disseminate this information to the general public. Topics include: common myths including those involving physical activity, sports performance, sleep, and nutrition.
191PHHS14; Section (06): Health in Gen-Z
191PHHS14; Section (06); Health in Gen-Z; Class number: 85622; We 2:30PM - 3:20PM
Health is defined as “a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being” by the World Health Organization. This seminar will examine these three components of health in today’s young adult generation. This seminar explores questions such as: How is social media impacting social well-being? How does the college lifestyle impact the many components of physical health – including sleep, nutrition, and physical activity? How can we reduce the rising mental health concerns and the stigma around men’s mental health? Students will evaluate their own health and create goals for their “physical, mental and social well-being,” while learning about available on-campus resources.
191PHHS14; Sections (07, 08, & 09): How to become a Guinness World Record Holder: Through the Concepts of Kinesiology
191PHHS14; Section (07); Guinness World Records and Kin; Class number: 85623; Tu 11:30AM - 12:20PM
191PHHS14; Section (08); Guinness World Records and Kin; Class number: 85624; We 4:00PM - 4:50PM
191PHHS14; Section (09); Guinness World Records and Kin; Class number: 85625; Th 1:00PM - 1:50PM
Through the core concepts of kinesiology (exercise training, hydration, nutrition, recovery etc.), we will explore effective goal setting and how to achieve big, long-term goals. The instructor is a current Guinness World Record holder and will lead the class in deconstructing her big goal to discover how to properly plan, train for, and implement smaller goals to build the foundation that ultimately set the stage for her achieving a world record. Each student will choose their own big goal and flip the overall concepts of kinesiology and goal setting to make them applicable to their individual goal (which does NOT need to be kinesiology related). At the end of the semester each student will leave with a well-developed portfolio containing their long-term goal and action plan to achieve that goal.
191PHHS14; Section (10): Leadership and Health: Unveiling the Power of Leadership in Health Professions
191PHHS14; Section (10); Leadership and Health; Class number: 85626; Tu 2:30PM - 3:20PM
This course will provide a comprehensive exploration of the key features of leadership, specifically tailored to the needs of aspiring healthcare professionals. By examining the pivotal role of leadership skills in shaping responses at individual, organizational, and national levels, students will gain valuable insights into how leaders can influence health outcomes.
Students will actively engage in a multi-dimensional learning experience, embracing a local, national, and global perspective to comprehend the broader impact of leadership in healthcare. Additionally, the course will encourage students to evaluate their own leadership style and skills, fostering personal growth and development.
191PHHS14; Section (11): Marijuana Legalization Pros and Cons
191PHHS14; Section (11); Marijuana Legalization; Class number: 85627; We 2:30PM - 3:20PM
The legalization of marijuana is a complex public health topic. This seminar will explore the historical precedent for racist drug laws in the US, the pros and cons of legalization, and the movement to legalize medical and recreational marijuana nationally and in the state of Massachusetts.
191PHHS14; Section (12): An Introduction to Birth Justice and Equity- Reflecting on stories of how we are born
191PHHS14; Section (12); Introduction to Birth Justice; Class number: 85628; Th 1:00PM - 1:50PM
How often do we think about the social, emotional, economic, political, and cultural factors that determine the stories of our birth? In this course we will reflect on what it looks like to give birth in the United States. We will examine how and why people are not necessarily guaranteed the same quality birth experience or the same chances of survival. We will examine birth through several lenses- obstetric, midwifery, public health, and birth justice. The course will culminate in a group project that integrates our own birth narratives into a larger context of birth in the United States. Together we will attempt to answer the question- what is birth justice and why does it matter?
191PHHS14; Sections (13 & 16): Public Health Culture Wars
191PHHS14; Section (13); Public Health Culture Wars; Class number: 85629; Th 2:30PM - 3:20PM
191PHHS14; Section (16); Public Health Culture Wars; Class number: 85632; Fr 1:25PM – 2:15 PM
Many public health advances were gained through community activism. Together, we will navigate the history of US culture and activism, and their role in public health advances through time. Topics may include the temperance movement, anti-smoking campaigns, reproductive rights, occupational health, and vaccinations. We will use these examples to discuss the impact of the political environment, traditional social movements, and bottom-up activism.
191PHHS14; Section (14): The Built Environment and Your Health
191PHHS14; Section (14); The Built Environment and Health; Class number: 85630: Fr 11:15AM - 12:05PM
Public health has helped form the environment around us. Yet, the environments we have created also shape our health. We will explore how advancements in protecting our health have changed the way we live, discover various environments around campus, and contemplate how elements we interact with every day, such as light, influence our well-being.
191PHHS14; Section (15): Watch Your Steps: Technology for Physical Activity Promotion
191PHHS14; Section (15); Tech for Physical Activity; Class number: 85631; Fr 2:30PM - 3:20PM
Have you ever wondered how a smartwatch captures movement or if 10,000 steps per day is a myth? This course will cover concepts on how we measure physical activity using sensor-technology and evidence used to determine the number of daily steps needed for healthy living. Students will evaluate currently established technology for physical activity measurement and critique various aspects such as accuracy, accessibility, convenience, and comfort. Students will actively engage in exploring current challenges in monitoring and promoting physical activity. By the end of the semester, students will develop potential strategies for improved technology-based physical activity interventions.