Medical anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that explores how biology, history, society, and culture shape human health, disease and illness. It examines not only the biological aspects of disease, but also the social meanings of illness, the cultural practices of healing, and the diverse medical systems people use across the world. By studying topics such as traditional medicine, biomedicine, health inequalities, and the politics of healthcare, medical anthropology offers insight into how health is experienced and managed in different societies and cultures. In essence, medical anthropology bridges science and culture, showing that health is not just a biological condition but also a deeply social and symbolic one. It helps us understand why people seek certain treatments, how beliefs about illness vary globally, and how social structures influence access to care. This makes the field vital for addressing global health challenges in a way that respects cultural diversity and human experience. In this course, students will be able to define key concepts in medical anthropology, compare biomedical and non-biomedical healing systems, analyze how social, cultural, and political factors shape health outcomes, and apply anthropological perspectives to contemporary global health issues. The course will cover topics such as: culture, illness, and disease; biopower and biopolitics; biomedicines as a cultural system; traditional healing systems; ethnomedicine and Ιndigenous knowledge; race, ethnicity and health; epidemics, pandemics and politics; gender, reproduction, and biopolitics; global health governance; mental health and cultural psychiatry; technology and pharmaceuticals; and, health inequalities.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: None

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall