Welcome

It may not feel like Fall, but it's definitely back-to-school time! It's been quite a rollercoaster ride this past 18 months. I hope that you have been safe and healthy -- and are ready to start the semester! As we prepare and look ahead, I encourage you to remain flexible and keep a healthy perspective. Learning is important and will always be top of mind, but your mental health and well-being are equally as important to me. Together, we will navigate the uncertainties, identify the things in our control and focus on ways to help each other thrive!

I am an adjunct professor who has been teaching at Rollins for nearly 20 years. In addition to this class, I teach Intro to Social Marketing. I'm excited to bring a blend of academic and life experience to this class. We will be using a flipped classroom model which means that you will be active participants in your learning - so together, we will have a chance to explore, discover, learn and grow.

One important note - while I plan to regularly check my Emory email, the fastest ways to reach me are via my work email (melissa.taylor@porternovelli.com) and text (770-910-0194). For questions about class assignments or notices regarding absences, please copy the class TA, Ebony Laboy, on any correspondence.

See you soon!

Melissa

Course Description

Theory-Driven Research and Practice is a foundational course for Behavioral Sciences and Health Education. The course introduces an array of conceptual theories that posit different patterns of association among a variety of behavioral, psychological and social antecedents that together can influence health outcomes. The theories covered in this course align with aggregating levels of influence at the individual, interpersonal, organizational/community and societal levels. In-class discussion and assignments will enable the learner to understand the value of theory for ethical practice, research design, and intervention development, to gain skills in applying theories for program/intervention design, implementation and evaluation. Learners will explore how social determinants of health impact population health and health equity and the degree to which theory can be used to better understand and address inequities. Additionally, critical thinking about strengths and limitations of current trends in theory will be encouraged. This course uses a flipped classroom where pre-lectures and homework will be used to prepare you for team engagement during class sessions. During class sessions we will use discussions/exercises to work on projects that identify theories underlying health interventions aimed to address high-profile public health problems.

CEPH Competencies

Explain behavioral and psychological factors that affect a population’s health.

Concentration Competencies

Apply the socio-ecological framework or other theories to examine public health research.

Course Competencies

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

Explain key terms related to theory
Describe at least four theories used in behavioral, social, and/or health education sciences research in public health.
Discuss the value and application of theory in research and practice, including how they are used to advance population health and health equity.
Describe differences between theories for appropriate levels of intervention (individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and/or macro-societal) and to what degree they address social determinants of health.
Critically assess different theories and models in terms of their utility, strengths, and weaknesses.
Evaluate the application of theory in behavioral and health interventions and research.
Develop a conceptual model that applies theory at multiple levels of influence to current high-profile public health case studies.
Demonstrate the ability to contribute to a learning community that critically thinks about the application of theory to public health research and practice.