ANTH 3550: Medical Anthropology – Winter 2026

Instructor Information

Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Finnis

Email: efinnis@uoguelph.ca [1]

Office: MacKinnon 613

Office Hours: TBD

Course Overview

This course introduces medical anthropology. We will examine the development of medical anthropology, and key concepts within this diverse field of theory and practice. Beginning with a discussion of humans as biocultural beings, we will consider how health is more than a biological context and discuss methodological approaches within medical anthropology. We will examine understandings of the intersections of culture and health, and consider a range of health issues, including (but not limited to) infectious disease, nutrition and development, reproduction, and mental health. In doing so, we will consider methodological and practice elements, including the contributions of medical anthropology to public health.

Please note: AI program assistance for any aspect of this class is not permitted. Recording of the course (video, audio, photographs) is not permitted unless related to an SAS accommodation.

Calendar Description

ANTH*3550 Medical Anthropology Winter Only (LEC: 3) [0.50]  

This course provides an introduction to medical anthropology and the anthropology of health. We will examine theory, methods, practice, and contemporary and historical topical issues.

Prerequisite(s): SOAN*2120 [2], (1 of ANTH*2160, ANTH*2180 [3], ANTH*2230 [4], ANTH*2660 [5])

Evaluation Methods

TBD, and will include (but not necessarily be limited to) a combination of in-class assignments and take-home assignments. Detailed assignment guidelines will be available to the class through Courselink.

Required Readings

Readings (articles and book chapters) available on the course website or through library reserves. There is no textbook to purchase for this course.