ANTH 3550: Medical Anthropology – Short Course Outline
Winter 2025
Time: M/W 11:30-12:50
Location: Currently ROZH 108, but this is subject to change
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.
Calendar Description
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, (1 of ANTH*2160, ANTH*2180, ANTH*2230, ANTH*2660)
Department(s): Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Evaluation Methods
TBD. Detailed assignment guidelines will be available to the class through Courselink.
Required Readings
There is no text to buy for this class. All readings will be open access via the Library.