M/W/F 10:00-10:50 MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY Fall 2009
009 University Hall ANTH 3369 Dr. Ryan
Office: 438 University Hall Phone: 8-3797 (Office) 214-202-0384 (Cell)
Email: Office Hours: 12:00-1:00 M, 9:30-10:00 W
and by appointment
Course Description:
This course will offer a general introduction to the field of medical anthropology. Medical anthropologists study the relationships among culture, society, the environment, disease, health, and healing. Specific topics include the cultural construction and organization of medical systems, patients and healers, health and development, global disparities in health and disease, nutritional anthropology, biocultural aspects of disease, bioethical debates, and practical applications of medical anthropology. Instruction is via lecture, reading, video, Internet materials and class discussion.
Books:
1. Medical Anthropology: A Biocultural Approach. Andrea S. Wiley and John S. Allen (2008).
Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195308832 Paperback
2. Monique and the Mango Rains: Two Years with a Midwife in Mali. Kris Holloway (2007) Waveland
Press. ISBN 1-57766-435-3
3. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. Anne Fadiman(1998 Paperback) Farrar, Straus and
Giroux. ISBN 0-374-52564-1
4. Ebola, Culture, and Politics: The Anthropology of an Emerging Disease. Barry S. Hewlett and
Bonnie L. Hewlett (2007). Wadsworth Publishing. ISBN 049009184. Paperback
I may give additional readings as handouts, reserve reading, or internet reading.
Evaluation:
Two tests during the semester (20% each) 40%
Final exam (not cumulative) 20%
Book commentary20%
Quizzes and Assignments15%
Participation/Attendance 5%
Tests will include both objective and essay questions.
In event of illness or other serious emergency, make-ups will be allowed. Instructor reserves the right to request documentation. Participation includes being present, having read the assignments, and engaging in the class.
Book Commentary:
Each student will turn in a written commentary/response on the bookThe Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down (Fadiman). Your response should be between 750 and 1000 words (3-4 pages double spaced). I am looking for a critical evaluation, not a book report. Your commentary should contain the following elements, but as long as you include the required elements, you are free to respond as you wish. If you use sources in addition to the book, be sure to cite them. You will turn in a paper copy in class and send a file of your paper to me at to check with anti-plagiarism software.
Required elements for The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down:
1. A brief description of the book in the first paragraph or two. Imagine someone has
asked you what the book was about. What would you say?
2. What is the message of the book, in your view?
3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?
4. Who should read the book?
Instructor Policies
Attendance Policy: Roll will be taken either by calling the roll or passing a sign-in sheet. Since class attendance is essential to success, please make every effort to come to class. Class discussion is an important part of the learning process. In the event of an absence, you are expected to get notes from your notes buddies.
Communication: There is a WebCT for this class, which will be used for announcements, posting grades, and required and optional resources. I may also send notifications via MyMav. It is your responsibility to check your UTA email and the WebCT site. You may also call my cell phone or contact me at if you need assistance.
Test materials: It is my policy to retain tests. After the test is graded it will be returned to you to review in class. After your return it to me, your grade will be recorded. I will save tests for one calendar year. If you fail to return your test after we review it in class you will receive a zero
Miscellaneous: This is a very large class. If you must be late, please use the back door to avoid disturbing other students. You may use laptops in class, but only for class work in this course. Viewing email and checking social networking sites is distracting to students around you.
I reserve the right to make modification to the content, schedule and requirements for this class as needed.
I look forward to working you this semester!
Additional UTA Policies
Americans With Disabilities Act:
If you are a student who requires accommodations in compliance with the ADA, please consult me at the beginning of the semester. As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide “reasonable accommodation” to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Your responsibility is to inform me of the disability at the beginning of the semester and provide me with documentation. Student services at UTA include the Office for Students with Disabilities (817-272-3364), located at 102 University Hall, with the AdaptiveResourceCenter at 101 University Hall) which is responsible for verifying and implementing accommodations to ensure equal opportunity in all programs and activities.
Student Support Services:
The University supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. They include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.
Academic Honesty:
Academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form at UTA. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.
“Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.” (Regents Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2, Subdivision 3.22).
Bomb Threats:
If anyone is tempted to call in a bomb threat, be aware that UTA will attempt to trace the phone call and prosecute all responsible parties. Every effort will be made to avoid cancellation or presentations/tests caused by bomb threats. Your instructor will make you aware of alternate class sites in the event your classroom is not available.
Drop Policy:
If you decide not to complete this course it is solely your responsibility to officially drop. You will need to see your advisor to drop the class. Census date is September 09, 2009. The final drop date for the Fall 2009 semester is October 30. Failure to do so will result in a grade of F.
Medical Anthropology Topics and Readings Schedule Fall 2009
UTA Preliminary Prof. Caldwell-Ryan
Note: [W&A] refers to the textbook Medical Anthropology: A Biocultural Approach
Week 1Mon: Orientation, Syllabus
8/24 Culture and Medicine
[W&A]Ch. 1
[Handout]: L. Payer, (1988) “France: Cartesian Thinking and the Terrain”
See also the Harris Interactive article on Payer’s book, Culture and Health
Week 2 So What is Medical Anthropology?
8/31Monday: Discuss Payer
[W&A] Ch. 2
[Handout] E. Achernecht, (1947) “Primitive Surgery”
Anthropology and Public Health
Week 3 Healers and Healing
9/7[W&A] Ch. 3
Fri: Discuss Ackernecht
Week 4[W&A] Ch. 3 continued
9/14[Handout] Mary Roach, Stiff, Ch. 2
Ethnomedicine
Video: Bono Medicine or TBA
Week 5Humoral medicine: overview
9/21Wednesday: Discuss Stiff, Ch. 2
Friday: Discuss Fadiman, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
Week 6Diet and Nutrition
9/28[W&A] Ch. 4
Week 7Diet and Nutrition
10/5Video: Consuming Kids or TBA
Medical Anthropology Topics and Readings Schedule Fall 2009
UTA Preliminary Prof. Caldwell-Ryan
Week 8Growth and Development
10/12[W&A] Ch. 5
Week 9 Reproductive Health
10/19[W&A] Ch. 6
Week 10Reproductive Health continued
10/26Wednesday: Discuss Monique and the Mango Rains
Week 11Monday: Catch Up and Review
11/2Wednesday: Test Two
Infectious Disease: Basic Concepts
[W&A] Ch. 8
Week 12Infectious Disease continued
11/9Historical Perspectives on Infectious Disease
[W&A] Ch. 9
Week 13Emerging and Resurging Infections
11/16[W&A] Ch. 10
Discuss Ebola, Culture and Politics
Week 14Stress, Social Inequality and Health Disparities
11/23[W&A] Ch. 11
Friday: No Class (Thanksgiving break)
[Handout] Merrill Singer et al, Why Does Juan Garcia Have a Drinking
Problem?
Week 15Mental Health and Illness
11/30[W&A] Ch. 12
Discuss Singer et al article
Final Exam Monday December 7, 8:00-10:30. This information may change. Each student is responsible for checking the final exam schedule and for knowing when the exam will be held.
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