New Departures in the Study of Culture, Health, and Medical Practices in Contemporary China

3 units

Drawing upon an interdisciplinary approach, this course addresses several major themes with a focus on the dynamics of China's unprecedented healthcare transformations. Topical issues covered will include biocultural contexts of disease; the challenge of aging in a gray China; health inequalities and social stratification; and values and the medical humanities in public health. Students are encouraged to conduct ethnographic field research in a variety of settings including: community health centers, drug stores, city and district hospitals, clinics, public parks, clubs, temples and shrines, tea houses, cafes, restaurants, and school playgrounds and other places of interest. Students in this course must be enrolled in the study abroad program at Fudan University in Shanghai, China.