Fall 2026
Personal/Community Health I
Instructor: Dr. Chad Kish
Email: kishcr@lamarpa.edu
Phone: No LSC-PA Direct Phone. Please email instructor or contact the GEDS Office
Office Location and Hours: Virtual (No campus Office), Email to request a meeting day and time
Additional Contact Information: General Education and Developmental Studies (GEDS) Department Chair: Dr. Steven Zani, zanisj@lscpa.edu, or 409-984-6431
This course introduces the fundamentals, concepts, strategies, applications, and contemporary trends related to understanding personal and/or community health issues. This course also focuses on empowering various populations with the ability to practice healthy living, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance individual well-being.
3 credit hours.
Donatelle, R. (2020). Access to Health (16th Ed.). New York: Pearson Education.
Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.
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The Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) are Aligned with the following:
· National Health Education Standards (NHES) [Shape America, 2024]
Upon completion of this course, the aspiring professional will be able to:
1. Evaluate the dimensions of health and how they relate to personal and/or community wellness. (NHES: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)
2. Explain the importance of nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, and staying physically active in preventing premature disease and promoting wellness. (NHES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8)
3. Analyze and discuss the leading health issues, trends, and needs of various populations. (NHES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8)
4. Identify various agencies, foundations, and associations supporting health at local, state, national, and international levels. (NHES: 3, 4, 8)
5. Apply various tools, resources, and technologies to access, collect, and assess health, fitness, and holistic wellness data. (NHES: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7)
6. Access resources to support health and well-being of self and others to determine validity, reliability, and trustworthiness. (NHES: 3, 5)
Apply health information to develop and implement a plan of goal setting to provide practices and behaviors that advocate for and support holistic health and enhance the quality of life to meet personal and community needs. (NHES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
The Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) are Aligned with the following:
· Texas Core Curriculum (TCC): Life & Physical Sciences
Upon completion of this course, the aspiring professional will be able to:
1. Evaluate the dimensions of health and how they relate to personal and/or community wellness. (TCC: CT, COM, EQS, TW)
2. Explain the importance of nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, and staying physically active in preventing premature disease and promoting wellness. (TCC: CT, COM, EQS)
3. Analyze and discuss the leading health issues, trends, and needs of various populations. (TCC: CT, COM, EQS, TW)
4. Identify various agencies, foundations, and associations supporting health at local, state, national, and international levels. (TCC: CT, TW)
5. Apply various tools, resources, and technologies to access, collect, and assess health, fitness, and holistic wellness data. (TCC: CT, EQS, TW) 6, 7)
6. Access resources to support health and well-being of self and others to determine validity, reliability, and trustworthiness. (TCC: CT, EQS)
Apply health information to develop and implement a plan of goal setting to provide practices and behaviors that advocate for and support holistic health and enhance the quality of life to meet personal and community needs. (TCC: CT, COM, EQS, TW)
Introduction
· Syllabus, Introduction, Pre-Test
Unit I: Finding a Healthy Balance
· Chapter 1: Assessing Your Health
· Chapter 2: Promoting and Preserving Your Psychological Health
· Chapter 3: Managing Stress and Coping with Life’s Challenges
· UNIT I EXAM
Unit II: Building Healthy Lifestyles
· Chapter 4: Improving Your Sleep
· Chapter 5: Nutrition: Eating for a Healthier You
· Chapter 6: Reaching and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
· Chapter 7: Improving Your Personal Fitness
· UNIT II EXAM
Unit III: Preventing & Fighting Diseases
· Chapter 14: Protecting Against Infectious Disease
· Chapter 15: Protecting Against Sexually Transmitted Infections
· Chapter 16: Reducing Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
· Holistic Wellness
· Chapter 16-A: Reducing Your Risk of Diabetes
· UNIT III EXAM
· Culminating Activities: Course Post-Test
The instructor reserves the right to modify content to meet the learning needs of students and/or transition the delivery method if necessary.
Basic Assignment Information:
Assignments:
Students will have the opportunity to complete a variety of “Assignments” throughout the semester, including Chapter Activities, Application Assignments, & Reflections. ALL assignments are associated with either a textbook reading or an assigned reading from Blackboard. Assignments MUST closely follow the instructions, use the outline & provide headings & numbers, be detailed & provide a synthesis & analysis of information from the assigned readings. The standard assignment LATE policy is a 25% Late Penalty for assignments submitted past the deadline and a 25% penalty for Each Additional Day Late.
Discussion Assignments:
Students will have regular opportunities to synthesize & analyze information in 2-Part “Online Discussion Assignments.” Students MUST closely follow instructions & formatting guidelines & MUST closely align postings & responses to information gleaned from the associated course materials/readings. In Part 1, students will construct an “Initial Posting” to explore a topic or scenario, & in Part 2, students will formulate thoughtful & detailed “Responses to Classmates.” Part 2 does NOT show up in the Blackboard “To-Do List” as a separate deadline, so you MUST set a personal reminder. Late submissions will receive a 50% penalty, and a 25% penalty for each additional day late.
Quizzes & Exams (Assessments):
“Quizzes & Exams” will be used to Assess your learning in this course. These Assessments will be completed through Canvas & have posted deadlines. There are NO Extensions or “Grace Periods.” If you wait until the last minute, have technical issues, & miss the deadline, you will lose credit due to “poor time management strategies.” ALL Academic Honesty & Student Code of Conduct Guidelines apply.
Schedule:
See Blackboard for Course Assignment Calendar/Schedule
Dec. 8, 2026 (Information or changes will be posted on Blackboard)
A Standard Grading Scale will be used based on the Percentage of the Final Total Points.
A | 90 – 100 % |
B | 80 – 89.9 % |
C | 70 – 79.9 % |
D | 60 – 69.9 % |
F | 59.9 % and below |
A Point Value will be posted on Blackboard for each Assignment throughout the semester. The student’s Final Grade will be determined by using the Total Points Earned divided by the Total Points Possible for the entire course. The Percentage of the Final Points will be used with a Standard Grading Scale (below)
Assignments are expected to be submitted in the required format, be considered appropriate college-level work, and by the deadline, or penalties/point deductions will be assessed. See additional information detailed in each assignment.
Online Course Information:
The course is designed to be delivered virtually through a “Fully Online” asynchronous method (with no regularly scheduled meetings). Online Learning requires students to be organized, articulate, dedicated, and have a degree of self-learning capabilities. This course is reading-intensive and requires a high degree of comprehension, written communication, and application skills. Students are expected to complete all assignments by posted deadlines (usually 10:00 PM CST), check Blackboard and Outlook Email regularly, complete all remote learning opportunities, and return communication to the instructor within 1-2 days. Students are expected to complete all work individually, and work must be considered original, non-plagiarized, without the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and by following ALL LSC-PA Student Code of Conduct and Academic Honesty Policies.
Academic Honesty:
Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated by the instructor. Plagiarism is not acceptable; students must do original work and are required to document sources for all assignments. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop assignments or assist you in any way is strictly prohibited for this course, including the use of paraphrasing tools and websites such as ChatGPT. Please consult with the Student Handbook for additional information and consequences.
Make-up Assignments:
Students must contact the instructor to request a make-up assignment before the deadline. Extensions and make-up assignments will only be provided in rare circumstances and point deductions may apply. Remember, point deductions are made for late submissions and assignments will not be accepted past the final deadline (see the syllabus and assignment for additional details).
Online Participation:
There will be regular Discussion Assignments for this course. Students will be required to participate in discussions and online activities and should see the Course Activity Calendar for additional details. Students should adhere to course guidelines and adhere to the Discussion Board Do’s and Don'ts as well as the Netiquette handouts.
Online Attendance Policy:
Research has shown a cause-and-effect relationship between attendance and college success. This is a fully online asynchronous class. There are no regular class meetings. However, it is a requirement to regularly check (daily) your LSC-PA student Outlook e-mail and the Blackboard system for messages and announcements. Students are expected to respond to instructor communication within a timely manner.
Basic Technology Skills Needed:
This course requires students to effectively utilize technology, including Blackboard, MyLamarPA, Outlook email, and various computer applications. Students will need to access the lamarpa.edu website, print assignments, and electronically submit information regularly. Students should be proficient in navigating the internet, locating information through search engines, using various software (word processing, etc.), and using a variety of hardware components (USB drive, printer, scanner, webcam, etc.) before enrolling in this course. All electronic communication will be done through Blackboard and the Lamar PA Outlook e-mail system, so students should regularly check their accounts for important course information. The Gates Library is open to all students with a current ID.
Technology Requirements:
1. Access to a PC with the latest version of Windows, an updated browser, and updated computer hardware.
2. High-Speed Internet Connection (wired or broadband access is suggested).
3. Students cannot complete the course using only a mobile device or application, due to the limitations these devices have in completing tests and assessments.
Information Technology Services:
The instructor does not serve as an Information Technology professional and does not provide technology support for computer applications. Please contact the IT Helpdesk at 409-984-6388 or helpdesk@lamarpa.edu for assistance.
Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.