U.S. healthcare is a multi-billion-dollar a year industry. In 2016, the average life expectancy dropped for the first time in decades. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, sedentary lifestyles are increasing, and coronary heart disease – the nation’s #1 killer – shows no signs of stopping. And now, we’ve been living through COVID-19. But there is hope, as health psychologists and researchers in the field are gaining a better understanding of health and wellness – and how to maintain both.

Health psychology is a marriage between the medical and psychological sciences. Whereas a medical doctor would treat people infected with COVID-19, a health psychologist would look for ways to avoid infections to begin with. Health psychologists would work with patients to assist with their post-treatment recovery from a stressful and traumatic episode in their life.

Health psychologists adopt a holistic approach to wellness, whose foundation is built on the reciprocal relationship between mind and body. By the end of the semester, students will better understand the mind-body connection and use this knowledge to enhance their own health and happiness. (Adapted from Lynn White, Ph.D.)

Main Textbook

• Title: Health Psychology (11th Edition)
• Authors: Shelley E. Taylor & Annette L. Stanton
• ISBN-10: 1260253902
• ISBN-13: 978-1260253900

Additional Required Readings

• Additional articles and chapters will be provided via Canvas. A PDF reader is required to access these readings.
• Students are expected to take notes and complete an annotated bibliography entry for each assigned reading.

Style Manual

• Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA Manual, 7th ed.). A PDF copy will be provided via Canvas. Students may also purchase a print copy (Amazon link: https://a.co/d/hhArjGL).

Technology Access

• Many assignments, announcements, and messages for this course will be provided online; reliable computer and Internet access is required. If you have concerns about the technical requirements, please reach out to discuss possible solutions.

Grading and Assignments

All assignments are due by 11:59 PM on the date indicated in the schedule and in Canvas. Assignments may be completed ahead of schedule but may not be submitted after the due date.

Participation (100 points)

There are 26 total class meetings with daily, low-stakes participation opportunities. Each graded day is worth 4 points; one absence is excused at no penalty, and only 25 days will be counted.

Annotated Bibliography Entries (95 points)

There will be nineteen assigned readings throughout the semester. For each reading, submit an annotated bibliography entry that includes a summary, evaluation, and correct APA citation.

• 1 point: Summary of the article
• 2 points: Evaluation of the article
• 2 points: Correct APA citation (use the APA Manual; do not rely on citation generators)

Psychology Research Symposium Attendance (5 points)

Attend the Psychology Research Symposium on Wednesday, December 3rd. Submit a short review of one presentation or poster to earn credit.

Literature Review Draft (100 points)

Midway through the semester, submit a group draft in APA format on your chosen health psychology topic. This checkpoint supports outlining, drafting, revision, and feedback prior to the final paper.

Rubric:

• 10 points: Appropriate topic
• 10 points: Introduction
• 15 points: Body
• 10 points: Conclusion
• 10 points: 1+ suggested intervention(s)
• 20 points: 10+ references
• 15 points: APA formatting
• 10 points: Writing quality

Presentation (300 points)

End-of-semester group presentation (10 minutes presentation + 5 minutes Q&A) using Microsoft PowerPoint, mirroring common psychology conference formats.

Rubric:

• 60 points: Awarded by teammates (peer evaluation)
• 60 points: Presentation clarity and understandability
• 60 points: Topic coverage and thoroughness
• 30 points: 1+ suggested intervention(s)
• 30 points: Audience engagement
• 60 points: Presentation quality

Literature Review (400 points)

End-of-semester group literature review in APA format that builds on your draft and presentation. Expect multiple rounds of revision for quality.

Rubric:

• 90 points: Awarded by teammates (peer evaluation)
• 50 points: Introduction
• 75 points: Body
• 30 points: Conclusion
• 20 points: 1+ suggested intervention(s)
• 80 points: 20+ references
• 35 points: APA formatting
• 20 points: Writing quality

Points Breakdown

Grading Scale

Deadlines and Late Work

All assignments are due by 11:59 PM on the date indicated. Assignments may be completed in advance; however, late submissions are not accepted. Deadlines reflect the last day you can complete an assignment.

Extra Credit Opportunities

Extra credit is available for using the Undergraduate Writing Center and/or the Public Speaking Center. Each individual student can earn 10 points of extra credit for each session completed at either center with proof of completion (e.g., email from the writing center or a “pink slip” from the speech center). Group sessions are available; each attending team member earns extra credit with proof of completion.

Course Communication

Students may contact the instructor via email or Canvas messages with questions regarding the course. Class announcements and assignment comments will be communicated via Canvas and email.

Generative LLM/AI Statement

Use of generative large language model (LLM) systems (e.g., ChatGPT) to help with written assignments will not be penalized; however, students are cautioned about the pitfalls and shortcomings of such systems. Assignments will be graded rigorously, and work produced with generative LLM/AI tools often performs poorly.

Classroom Civility and Conduct

The classroom is a setting for cooperation, professionalism, and civility where an exchange of ideas and creative thinking is encouraged. Disruptive behaviors (e.g., rude, sarcastic, threatening, abusive, or obscene language/behavior) are subject to appropriate sanctions per university policy. Faculty are likewise expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

When you miss class, you miss important information. If you are absent, you are responsible for learning material covered in class. If you have an excused absence, you will be permitted to make up coursework or complete an equivalent assignment agreed upon with the instructor.

To arrange excused absences anticipated at the beginning of the semester:

• Submit a request via email stating the dates of the anticipated absence no later than the end of the second week of the course (Friday 9/5).
• Explain the reason for absence; documentation may be required in some cases.
• Include any request for make-up work.

To arrange excused absences that cannot be anticipated (e.g., legal proceedings or illnesses):

• Submit a request via email stating the date(s) of the absence.
• Explain the reason for absence; documentation may be required in some cases.
• Include any request for make-up work.

• Computer Operating System: Southern Utah University uses Canvas which requires Windows 7 or higher for a PC and Mac OSX 10.8 or higher on a Mac. Please contact Canvas Support for more information: Canvas Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m, Phone: 435-865-8555, Email: canvas@suu.edu, Online: help.suu.edu/canvas
• Internet Access: Canvas works on a variety of browsers and even has a mobile app. For more information, please contact Canvas Support.
• Software: Basic word processing software is required, and you will need to be able to save documents in a PDF format. You may also need presentation software (e.g., Powerpoint, Prezi).