GCH 310-002 | Spring 2022

Health Behavior
Theories

Instructor Course Description

Information ‣ During this course, students will examine theories for
understanding health, health behaviors and their role in the
development, implementation, and evaluation of public health
programs.
Dr. Michelle S. Williams
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 703-993-5108 Course Objectives
‣ Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
Dr. Williams’ Virtual Office:
https://bit.ly/DrWmsOffice • Explain the predominant theories which address health
behavior;
Office Hours: • Describe the history, philosophy and interdisciplinary
Wednesdays foundations of health behavior theories;
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm EST
• Evaluate the role of social, behavioral, economic, and
cultural factors in public health problems;
Class Meeting • Apply health behavior theories to health promotion
Information programs.

Course Materials
Class Meeting Dates &
Times: ‣ Readings will be assigned each week and will either come
Tuesdays & Thursdays from the textbook or be posted on Blackboard. Please see
1:30 pm - 2:45 pm EST the course schedule below for a detailed reading list.

Class Location:
Music/Theater Building Required Textbook
Room 1006
‣ Hayden, Joanna. (2019) Introduction to health behavior
theory 3rd Edition. ISBN 978128412511










GCH 310-002 Health Behavior Theories Spring 2022

Course Policies
Students with Special Needs
‣ Disability Services at George Mason University is committed to upholding the letter and spirit
of the laws that ensure equal treatment of people with disabilities. Under the administration
of University Life, Disability Services implements and coordinates reasonable
accommodations and disability-related services that afford equal access to university
programs and activities. Students can begin the registration process with Disability Services
at any time during their enrollment at George Mason University. If you are seeking
accommodations, please visit http://dsgmu.wpengine.com/ for detailed information about the
Disability Services registration process. Disability Services is located in Student Union
Building I (SUB I), Suite 2500. Email: [email protected] | Phone: (703) 993-2474

Academic Integrity
‣ It is expected that students adhere to the The Honor Code reads as follows:
George Mason University Honor Code as it
relates to integrity regarding coursework and ”To promote a stronger sense of mutual
grades. More information about the Honor responsibility, respect, trust, and fairness
Code, including definitions of cheating, lying, among all members of the George Mason
and plagiarism, can be found at the Office of University community and with the desire
Academic Integrity website at http:// for greater academic and personal
oai.gmu.edu achievement, we, the student members of
the University Community have set forth
‣ If a student is caught cheating on an exam, a this: Student members of the George
quiz or an assignment or plagiarizing, they Mason University community pledge not to
will receive a grade of “F” on that assignment. cheat, plagiarize, steal and/or lie in
Dr. Williams is obligated to report all cases of matters related to academic work.”
academic dishonesty to the Office of
Academic Integrity.

Class Participation
‣ Students' participation in class activities is required! The Code of Student Conduct
requires that students behave in a manner that is conducive to a teaching/learning
environment. Students who engage in behavior that is disruptive or obstructive to the
teaching/learning environment will be subject to disciplinary sanctions outlined by the Code
of Student Conduct. Disruptive/obstructive behavior is not limited to, but may include the
following: physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, stalking, intimidation, harassment, hazing,
possession of controlled substances, and possession of alcoholic beverages.

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GCH 310-002 Health Behavior Theories Spring 2022

Contacting Dr. Williams

In this class our official mode of electronic communication is through the email tool located inside
Blackboard.

Dr. Williams’ Email Policy

‣ Dr. Williams will respond to students’ emails within 2 business days. Responses to
emails will be sent Monday through Friday during business hours (9:00 am - 5:00 pm
EST). Students are required to write respectful and professional email messages. Emails that
are disrespectful, unprofessional, or contain questions about something that can be answered
by reading the syllabus or course schedule will not be considered or acknowledged.

Meeting with Dr. Williams

‣ Dr. Williams' Virtual Office: https://bit.ly/DrWmsOffice

‣ Dr. Williams' will be in her virtual office every Wednesday from 12:30 pm EST to 1:30 pm EST. If
you are not able to meet with Dr. Williams during her office hours, you may schedule an
appointment via email.

You should use proper etiquette when you are

corresponding with Dr. Williams. For example, all
emails must have a subject in the subject line and
start with a greeting. For more information about
email etiquette visit: owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
resource/694/1/

Instructional Methods
‣ This is a practical, active learning class designed to familiarize students with health behavior
theories, models, and frameworks. This class philosophy has two parts:
1. We will all contribute to the learning experience and;
2. Everyone gives their maximum effort.

‣ With regard to the first point, we all have different levels of knowledge and experience to bring to
the table including the instructor and the students. All parties are invited to share their
perspectives in a respectful manner for optimal learning. We will all learn from each other
through discussions, readings, presentations, and teamwork.

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GCH 310-002 Health Behavior Theories Spring 2022

Course Expectations
All students in GCH 310 are expected to:
‣ Complete all of the reading assignments.

‣ Meaningfully contribute to the class activities.

‣ During lectures and in-class activities, general comments, incorrect information, opinions
without scientific accuracy, and irrelevant statements that distract from the educational
experiences of others are not desired.

‣ Communicate with Dr. Williams about class matters via the email tool in Blackboard.

‣ Extenuating circumstances may arise which make it difficult to attend class or turn in work on
time. In such cases, students are expected to communicate at least 3 business days prior to
the deadline that an extension is needed so a mutually acceptable extension can be made.
Students are expected to get notes from missed lectures from their classmates.

Weekly Schedule
‣ Dr. Williams will open a module on Blackboard on
every Monday at 8:00 am EST

‣ A module will remain available to students once it Important Dates

has been opened.
• Mondays @ 8:00 am EST:
‣ Modules will not be opened earlier than the dates Weekly modules open on
listed on the course schedule. Blackboard

‣ All in-class assignments must be complete on the • Tuesdays:

assigned day. Missed in class assignments cannot • In-class lectures
be made up. • Quizzes (see schedule)

‣ Quizzes must be completed in class on the assigned

• Thursdays;
day. If you have a valid reason to request to take the
• In-class lectures
quiz on a different day, you must discuss your
• Application of theory
request with Dr. Williams at least 3 business days activities
before the original quiz date. Missed quizzes will
receive a grade of 0.

‣ Late assignments will be graded down by 10 points

out of 100 for each day it is late unless prior
arrangements for an extension have been made
with Dr. Williams.

Feedback on Assignments:
‣ Dr. Williams will clearly explain and document the grading of all assignments. Students are
welcome to meet with Dr. Williams to discuss any questions you have regarding a grade you
receive. Please keep in mind that a review of the materials could result in a higher, lower, or
unchanged grade.

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 GCH 310-002 Health Behavior Theories Spring 2022

Grading Criteria
‣ Class Participation (10%): In this course, class participation will be determined by your participation in
the weekly in-class activities including the lectures, the application of theory activities and team
assignments

‣ Unit Quizzes (30%): The unit quizzes will be straightforward and based on course lectures and readings
in the unit. All quizzes must be completed in-class on the assigned date. The quizzes cannot be
completed at a later time or date. Missed quizzes will receive a grade of 0. The quizzes will be open
notes.

‣ Application of Health Behavior Theory Activities (30%): Each student will be required to complete 9
activities during the course. Specific guidelines for the activities will be provided.

‣ Health Behavior Theory Team Project Assignments (30%): Each student must work with their team to
complete the team project assignments. Specific guidelines for the team project assignments will be
provided.

Departmental Grading Scale

A+ = 98-100% B = 83-87%
D = 60-69%
A = 93-97% B- = 80-82%
F = Below 59%
A- = 90-92% C+ = 78-79%
B+ = 88-89% C = 70-77%

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