ANTH 475 A: Perspectives in Medical Anthropology

Autumn 2025
Meeting:
TTh 10:30am - 12:20pm / SAV 155
SLN:
10364
Section Type:
Lecture
Joint Sections:
HSERV 475 A
Instructor:
Syllabus Description (from Canvas):

Course Overview

 Survey of Indigenous medical systems with an emphasis on Latin American ethnobotany and use of medicinal plants used as part of the therapeutic process. Examines the role of healers in orienting medical encounters in community and clinical spaces. Introduces theoretical perspectives and ways of knowing developed by Indigenous healers, scholars and practitioners.

Drawing on Medical Anthropology Ethnography, students will explore a variety of forms of healing among rural and urban Indigenous communities. A particular focus on Intercultural Health will allow the students to analyze past and contemporary medical landscapes where patients encounter Indigenous and Western Medicine. Students will learn about the complexities of urban and rural indigenous healing settings and their sociopolitical significance in contexts of state biomedical interventions.

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to

1) Identify and learn about indigenous medicines and their historical background.

2) Explain the particularities of indigenous framings of health and healing practices.

3) Describe the importance of the role of the healer within indigenous societies.

4) Analyze the cultural dimension of medicine in the context of intercultural medical encounters.

5) Develop research on Indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants.

6) Evaluate current global processes impacting the health of indigenous peoples.

 

Assessment of Student work

 

Participation                                                                                        15%

Small group discussion, brief in-class exercises (8 total)

Pre-lecture assignments     (best 7)                                                   20%

Individual research assignment #1                                                     20%                                                                                                          Tracing Healing Pathways: Indigenous Practices and Sacred Spaces

Individual research assignment #2 

"Plants of the Gods"                                                                            30%

Class presentation on assignment #2                                                15%

Catalog Description:
Introduction to medical anthropology. Explores the relationships among culture, society, and medicine. Examples from Western medicine as well as from other medical systems, incorporating both interpretive and critical approaches. Offered: jointly with HSERV 475.
GE Requirements Met:
Social Sciences (SSc)
Credits:
5.0
Status:
Active
Last updated:
July 21, 2025 - 10:38 am