Medical practices reflect the cultural values and beliefs of the societies in which they arise. This course will compare the ideology and social dynamics of health care in a variety of non-Western and Western societies. Topics will include: changing health patterns through human history; cultural definitions of well-being and illness; the social impact of illness; ritual healing and its interpretation; cross-cultural differences in childbirth practices; and health care in pluralistic societies. Format: seminar. Requirements: two written exercises and a take-home final exam.
Prerequisites: Anthropology 101 or ANSO 205 recommended, but not required. Enrollment limit: 25 (expected: 25).