ANSO 320(S) Health and Illness in Cross-Cultural Perspective*

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. Class format: seminar. Requirements: two written exercises and a take-home final exam. Prerequisite: Anthropology 101 or ANSO 205 recommended but not required. Enrollment limited to 25.

Hour: M. F. BROWN