TimeDaysLocationInstructorGERCreditOPUS Class NumberSyllabus (Tentative)
3:00pm-3:50pm
MWF
Anthropology Building 105
Parsons, Michelle. HSC. 41045 TBA.

January 12, 2011- April 25, 2011

Catalog Description: Comparative study of disease ecology and medical systems of other cultures; roles of disease in human evolution and history; sociocultural factors affecting contemporary world health problems; cultural aspects of ethnomedicine and biomedicine; ethnicity and health care.

Semester Details: This course is an introduction to medical anthropology, emphasizing the literature on health and healing in different cultures and sub-populations. The objectives of the course are to understand health and healing as social phenomena, to compare health and healing in different cultures and contexts, and to introduce the methods and approaches of medical anthropology. Readings touch on the historical development of the field and illustrate different theoretical orientations, including interpretive, political-economic and biocultural. The course will also use case studies to illustrate medical anthropological approaches to studying health conditions and medical systems, including Western biomedicine.  

Required Textbooks, Articles, and Resources

  1. Payer, Lynn. Medicine and Culture: Varieties of Treatment in the United States, England, West Germany, and France.
    ISBN: 9780805048032.
  2. Fadiman, A. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down.
    ISBN: 9780374525644.
  3. Dettwyler, K. Dancing Skeletons.
    ISBN: 9780881337488.
  4. Brown, P. Understanding and Applying Medical Anthropology.
    ISBN: 9781559347235.

Grading

Assignment/ExamDetails% of Total Grade
PapersSeveral short papers
ParticipationActive participation is required in class discussions and presentations
TestsTwo midterm examinations
Final Exam

The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.