University of Technology Sydney

95740 Ethics and Theories of Health Promotion

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Health
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): ((60 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10360 Bachelor of Public Health OR 60 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10410 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment OR 60 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10396 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of International Studies OR 60 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10441 Bachelor of Health Sciences Bachelor of Languages and Cultures) AND 95734 Health Promotion and Advocacy)

Requisite elaboration/waiver:

92570 Health Promotion and Advocacy

48 CPs in Bachelor of Health Science

Description

This subject builds on the foundation subject ‘Health Promotion and Advocacy’ (92570). Students are introduced to a contemporary understanding of ethics, values and theories in health promotion. Theories from medical sociology, philosophy, and psychology as well as pedagogical approaches to behaviour change and social learning form the basis of this subject. Using contemporary health issues in Australia and internationally, students will learn how these theories and concepts can be integrated into health promotion activities to effectively and ethically improve the health of individuals and populations.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
A. Discuss and critique ethical considerations that affect health promotion activities.
B. Appraise theories, frameworks and concepts of ethics in health promotion.
C. Apply frameworks and theories in the conceptualization of health promotion activities in individuals and groups across a range of health issues and their impact on behaviours change in individuals and populations.
D. Evaluate different settings and their effect on health promotion activities.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:

  • Promote and enhance the health of diverse groups through evidence-based advocacy strategies and techniques. (1.3)
  • Develop creative and innovative responses to health issues. (2.2)
  • Demonstrates a capacity for autonomy, accountability and critical self-assessment. (3.4)
  • Reflects on the ethical implications for public health research and practice. (4.1)
  • Recognises the need of supportive and responsive evidence-based practice in diverse communities. (4.2)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Advocate for and engage with individuals and communities to reduce health inequities and promote social justice in a global context (1.0)

Demonstrate creative and adaptive thinking within a changeable social, political and technological environment (2.0)

Use an assets -based approach to engender effective communication, collaboration and leadership (3.0)

Are ethical and responsible professionals who value the diversity of people and communities (4.0)

Translate research and evaluation into social and professional practice through critical thinking and knowledge integration (5.0)

Demonstrate professional competency which contributes to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, inclusive of physical, emotional and spiritual wellness (6.0)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject uses a blended approach of online learning and on-campus interactive workshops. The online learning includes content delivered by readings, presentations and videos, plus activities to promote reflection and critical thinking by using real-world scenarios and hypotheticals. Students' critical thinking will be developed through analysis of a broad range of issues and challenges. Discussion questions will facilitate interaction and sharing of ideas in the online weeks, and two (2) of the discussion board questions will contribute to the subject assessment.

The workshops provide an opportunity to work be involved in real-time discussions and debates and to collaboratively in small groups to explore the ideas, theories and frameworks and to develop strategies to address potential challenges and barriers to health promotion activities. Students will be provided with any required reading or activities prior to the workshops. In the final week of the subject students will present in groups as part of their assessment, building on content knowledge and experiences working collaboratively.

Content (topics)

  • Contemporary understandings of health and wellbeing
  • Understandings and perspectives of ‘ethics’ and ‘values’ in the context of health promotion
  • Ethical considerations health promotion activities
  • Overcoming barriers
  • Theoretical frameworks and behaviour change models, including; socio-ecological model; health belief model; stages of change model; social cognitive theory; theory of reasoned action/planned behaviour; minority stress theory
  • Integrated and intersectoral health promotion
  • Settings of health promotion

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Quizzes

Intent:

To assess students’ understanding of key concepts of ethics and theories of health promotion.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

A, B, C and D

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.3, 2.2, 4.1 and 4.2

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Length:

You will have 10 minutes to complete the quiz (questions not answered at time-out will not attract points).

Assessment task 2: Case study: Knowing oneself ethically

Intent:

This assessment enables students to understand their own ethical and moral biases and supports the development of a set of ethical values appropriate for a health promotion professional

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

A

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

3.4

Type: Case study
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

1,000 words maximum excluding references

Assessment task 3: Contribution to discussion boards

Intent:

To assess students’ understanding of key concepts of ethics and theories of health promotion and to support students to critically engage with individual learning styles

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

A, B, C and D

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.3, 2.2, 4.1 and 4.2

Type: Reflection
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

Maximum of 250 words per original post; Maximum 150 words per response.

Assessment task 4: Group presentation

Intent:

To assess students’ understanding of theories commonly used in health promotion and their standing in contemporary health promotion practice.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

B, C and D

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.3, 2.2 and 4.2

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Group, group assessed
Weight: 30%
Length:

15-minute presentation + abstract (no more than 150 words)

Other resources

UTS Student Centre
Building 10

Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)

Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts

For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.

UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.

Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.

HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.

Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.

The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.

The Financial Assistance Service can assist you with financial aspects of life at university, including Centrelink information, tax returns and budgeting, interest-free student loans and grants to assist with course-related costs. Check eligibility and apply online and make an appointment on +61 2 9514 1177 or Financial.assistance@uts.edu.au.