ADVANCED TOPICS IN MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY: DISPLACEMENT AND HEALTH (ANTH 479A)
Spring 2025
Instructor:
Dr. Paula F. Saravia (she/her/ella)
Email: psaravia@uw.edu
Course Overview
This course focuses on the current health situation of refugees and the epidemiological challenges associated with forced displacement, including infectious disease, maternal health, violence, and mental health. We will study past and ongoing practices and interventions in promoting the health of refugees and migrants and the legal frameworks in place for addressing the health needs of this population. We will discuss theoretical frameworks that contribute to understanding the relationship between belonging, mobility, and health, as well as lessons learned and recommendations for the future (3 Credits).
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to
- Outline anthropological approaches concerning migration and health.
- Describe different phases in the migration process and how each one impacts the health of migrants;
- Explain how migration is a social determinant of health;
- Examine past and ongoing medical practices and interventions in promoting the health of refugees and migrants;
- Analyze processes of exclusion and belonging and how those affect the health of migrants.
Class Format and Structure
The structure of the course will be the same every week. We will meet on Fridays and our class will begin with an introductory presentation by the instructor on the significant theme of the week. Lectures will focus on the readings’ main arguments and contributions, but these won’t be summaries of the readings. Students should be prepared to engage in discussion and small group in-class work. Students will analyze case studies or current events that illustrate the reading’s main points by completing in-class activities and a two small writing assignments (midterm and final).
“Protector” is the whale saving a child caught in a storm when the child’s canoe capsizes and the whale brings the child safely ashore. Protector is the reminder of us as indigenous people protecting our youth and culture so that future generations will prosper ARTIST Maynard Johnny JrP)