Medical Humanities: Critical Perspectives on Illness, Healing, and Culture

Medicine is arguably the most humanistic of the hard sciences, one that strives to ensure the basic dignity of individuals. In our increasingly globalized world, access to medical care is recognized as a fundamental human right. However, there continues to be considerable debate over the "best" ways to provide medical services to economically and culturally diverse communities across the globe, given the complex ways that people prioritize and perpetuate their health. This seminar explores the multifaceted relationships between biomedicine and cultural understandings of illness, both in the US and worldwide. Instructor permission required. Enrollment limit 25 juniors and seniors.