Tobacco and Health: From Cells to Society Fall 2012 Wednesdays, 1 – 4 pm EST September 12 – December 5, 2012

Instructors Michael Chaiton x 4428 Roberta Ferrence x 4482

Faculty Contacts Dalhousie UniversityLakehead University Dr. Sean BarrettDr. Peter Brink McMaster UniversityWestern Dr. Alison HollowayDr. Harry Prapavessis

Course Objectives To provide a comprehensive overview of research and public health issues relating to tobacco and health, from mechanisms of nicotine addiction to strategies for eliminating tobacco use. To provide an understanding of real world program and policy issues relating to tobacco prevention, protection and cessation. To provide an opportunity for students to practice critical thinking and public health practice skills in the substantive area of tobacco and health.

Format of Instruction This course will consist of 13 three-hour sessions. Weeks 1-6 and 9-12: Each class will consist of two lectures by researchers and experts on tobacco and health, followed by time for questions and discussion. Week 7 will consist of one session of student policy debates and one lecture. Week 8 will consist solely of student policy debates. Week 13 will consist of one lecture and one roundtable discussion on the future of tobacco control.

Evaluation I. Letter to the Editor (10%, due September 26) Students will choose from a prepared list of tobacco-related news articles reflecting current issues in the area of tobacco and health. Students will then prepare a letter to the editor of a national newspaper about their article (maximum 250 words).

Evaluation II. Abstract (20%, due October 17) Each student will choose an approved tobacco- related topic and prepare and submit a conference quality abstract with three key references.

Evaluation III. Student Policy Debate (25%, October 17, 24 and 31) Students will prepare a 5 minute PowerPoint presentation arguing for or against an assigned topic to convince and inform the audience on the topic. After the presentation, there will be time for discussion. An electronic version of the presentation slides and full list of references used will be submitted.

Evaluation IV. Poster Presentation (35%, due November 28) Students will prepare a poster presentation suitable for a scientific meeting using the same tobacco-related topic they used in Assignment II. An electronic version of the poster and full list of references used will be submitted.

Evaluation V. Reading Assignments (5%, ongoing) Students will prepare one written reading assignment during the course. The student will choose an additional reading that builds on the two assigned readings. The paragraph includes: a one-paragraph summary of the two assigned readings; a one-paragraph summary of the reading chosen by the student; one paragraph on why this paper was chosen; two key questions to ask the lecturer.

Evaluation VI. Class Participation (5%) Participation means: showing up for each class having completed the assigned readings asking questions about anything in the readings or discussion that seems unclear or objectionable offering arguments and responses, and listening to the arguments and responses of others class and listserv participation

Website login to the course at Password: gradcourse

Readings Available on the course website Clink on the links to access readings Readings not linked on the site are available at the University of Toronto Library University of Toronto library cards will be sent out (we need your name)

Listserv A way to communicate outside class A way to continue discussions Sign up on first day of class