Intro: Medical Anthropology

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Medical anthropology is a fascinating and fast-developing branch of anthropology with great potential for careers in anthropology, medicine, public health, international aid and development, and environmental studies. We will examine medical systems from a cross-cultural perspective, learning about traditional theories of health and illness while keeping in mind international politics and the effects of globalization. Topics include: the cultural history of clinical medicine and medical anthropology, traditional medical practices from around the world, folk and alternative health care systems, race, class, and gender in health care and health disparities in the U.S., and the relationship of human health with environmental health. There will be an individual case study assignment on the impact of contemporary problems (such as income inequality, war, instability, gender disparities, displacement and refugee status, and others) on health and health care in majority Muslim communities.