The Palaeopathological Perspective

4 credits · Undergraduate

An exploration of the record and human experience of health and disease with specific focus on bioarchaeology, the study of human remains from ancient and recent archaeological contexts, using a biocultural approach. Evaluates how morbidity, prevalence, and mortality in the past are identified using a biocultural lens to analyze and interpret the etiology of disease in the past. Discusses how evolution and adaptation plays a central role in disease emergence and prevalence; how humans are agents in the co-evolution of infectious agents in food webs and ecosystems; and how people define and experience disease, illness, wellness and suffering in different cultural contexts.