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Course Syllabus

Health and Wellness: Three-Week Course Syllabus

Course Title: Foundations of Health and Wellness

Instructor: Kira Gurganus

Course Duration: 3 Weeks

Session Length: 90 minutes per session

Course Outcome:

Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and historical trends in nutrition, exercise science, health psychology, stress management, and complementary and alternative medicine.

 

Course Outline

Week 1: Vitamins, Herbs, and Nutrition

Topics Covered:

  • Historical trends in nutrition and dietary recommendations.

  • Essential vitamins and minerals: their functions and sources.

  • The role of herbs in wellness: benefits and cautions.

  • Nutritional needs across different life stages and populations.

Activities:

  • Case studies analyzing dietary habits and nutritional gaps.

  • Group discussion on commonly used herbs and their potential benefits.

  • Interactive workshop: Creating a balanced daily meal plan.

Materials:

  • Required readings from nutrition texts and online research articles.

  • Handouts on the functions of key vitamins and minerals.

Assessment:

  • Quiz on the functions and sources of vitamins and minerals.

  • Group presentation on the role of herbs in health.

 

Week 2: Complementary and Integrative Medicine

Topics Covered:

  • Overview of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

  • Historical development and acceptance of integrative health practices.

  • Popular CAM methods: acupuncture, aromatherapy, and meditation.

  • Evidence-based approaches in CAM.

Activities:

  • Guest lecture by a certified CAM practitioner (e.g., an acupuncturist).

  • Hands-on mindfulness and meditation session.

  • Group presentation analyzing the impact of CAM on modern health care.

Materials:

  • Supplementary research papers on CAM practices.

  • Practice guides for mindfulness and aromatherapy.

Assessment:

  • Reflection paper on the benefits and challenges of CAM.

  • Participation in mindfulness exercises.

 

Week 3: Stress Management and Mental Health

Topics Covered:

  • The science of stress: physiological and psychological impacts.

  • Historical evolution of stress management techniques.

  • Practical tools for stress reduction: journaling, progressive muscle relaxation, and breathing exercises.

  • The relationship between mental health and physical wellness.

Activities:

  • Guided breathing exercises and stress reduction techniques.

  • Reflection exercise: Writing a personal stress management plan.

  • Discussion on community mental health resources.

Materials:

  • Handouts on stress management techniques.

  • Videos demonstrating progressive muscle relaxation.

Assessment:

  • Stress management plan submission.

  • Quiz on stress and mental health concepts.

 

Key Syllabus Features Inspired by Johnson (2006)

  1. Clarity and Communication: Johnson (2006) emphasizes that a syllabus should serve as a clear communication tool between instructors and students. This syllabus includes detailed descriptions of course goals, weekly topics, and assessments to ensure students understand expectations.

  2. Learner-Centered Design: A well-written syllabus focuses on the learner's needs. This course incorporates interactive activities, such as group discussions and hands-on workshops, to engage students and cater to diverse learning styles.

  3. Assessment Transparency: According to Johnson (2006), assessments should align with course objectives and be clearly outlined. This syllabus specifies quizzes, reflection papers, and projects, ensuring students know how their learning will be evaluated.

  4. Flexibility and Adaptability: Including a statement about syllabus amendments, as suggested by Johnson (2006), ensures students are aware of potential changes. For example: “The information in this syllabus is subject to change in extenuating circumstances. Changes will be communicated in writing at least one week in advance.”

  5. Inclusivity: Johnson (2006) highlights the importance of accommodating students with special needs. This syllabus includes a section encouraging students to notify the instructor of any accommodations required.

  6. Engagement and Motivation: A syllabus should generate interest and motivate students to take responsibility for their learning (Johnson, 2006). This course achieves this through diverse topics, practical applications, and opportunities for self-reflection.

Additional Course Policies

  • Special Needs: Students requiring accommodations should notify the instructor within the first week of the course.

  • Academic Honesty: Cheating or plagiarism will result in academic penalties as per college policy.

  • Attendance: Students must arrive within the first 15 minutes of class to be counted as present.

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