Tobacco and Health: From Cells to Society Fall 2013 Wednesdays, 1 – 4 pm EST September 11 – December 4, 2013

Instructors Michael Chaiton x 4428 Roberta Ferrence x 4482

Faculty Contacts Dalhousie UniversityLakehead University Dr. Sean BarrettDr. Peter Brink McMaster UniversityWaterloo Dr. Alison HollowayDr. David Hammond

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.

Evaluation I. Letter to the Editor (10%, due September 25) 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. Student Policy Debate (25%, October 23, 30, November 6) 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 III. Poster (20%, due November 6) Each student will choose an approved tobacco- related topic and prepare and submit a conference quality abstract in poster format. An electronic version of the poster will be submitted.

Evaluation IV. Systematic Review (35%, due December 11) Students will prepare a full systematic review paper of less than 2500 words (not including tables, figures, and references) based on the abstract.

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 assignment 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