This course provides a basic introduction to the study of health and illness in diverse cultural settings and explores fundamental concepts that form the core of medical systems worldwide. All groups have their own systems of medical knowledge and their own concepts of health and illness. It is important that we understand these systems in order to deal with suffering and facilitate healing. You will be introduced to the concepts of medical anthropology through a selection of readings that range from the theoretical t o the particular. A variety of ethnographic studies will familiarize you with the way individuals in different cultural settings perceive and experience health and illness in all aspects of their daily lives. Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, any introductory cultural anthropology course is recommended but not required.
This course provides a basic introduction to the study of health and illness in diverse cultural settings and explores fundamental concepts that form the core of medical systems worldwide. All groups have their own systems of medical knowledge and their own concepts of health and illness. It is important that we understand these systems in order to deal with suffering and facilitate healing. You will be introduced to the concepts of medical anthropology through a selection of readings that range from the theoretical t o the particular. A variety of ethnographic studies will familiarize you with the way individuals in different cultural settings perceive and experience health and illness in all aspects of their daily lives. Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for the course, any introductory cultural anthropology course is recommended but not required.
