Tobacco and Health: From Cells to Society Fall 2012

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

2. Instructors Michael Chaiton 416-535-8501 x 4428 Michael.Chaiton@utoronto.ca Roberta Ferrence 416-535-8501 x 4482 Roberta.Ferrence@utoronto.ca

3. Faculty Contacts Dalhousie University Lakehead University Dr. Sean Barrett Dr. Peter Brink Sean.Barrett@dal.caPeter.Brink@lakeheadu.ca McMaster University Western Dr. Alison Holloway Dr. Harry Prapavessis hollow@McMaster.cahprapave@uwo.ca

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Evaluation • 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).

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. Website • login to the course at http://gradcourse.otru.org • Password: gradcourse

13. 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)

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