Course Information
Correspondence by Mail
Independent Study
$247.40 per Credit (No Fees)
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ANTH340: Introduction to Medical Anthropology
Prerequisites: None
Undergraduate College Credit Courses
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Course at a Glance
IMPORTANT! This Independent Study Course is only available in a "Correspendence by Mail" format.
Overview
Anthropology is the science and study of the human species. Anthropology, unlike other social sciences, is holistic. This means that anthropologists study the human condition from every possible direction, not just from one focused perspective. They study human behavior, laws, customs, anatomy, and physiology both in the past and the present.
By definition, medical anthropology is the study of human health in a cultural and environmental context. It compares health and disease patterns of both industrial and non-industrial populations through an interdisciplinary or anthropological approach.
As an area of anthropology, it is unique in that it cross-cuts four disciplines:
- Physical anthropology includes the study of human characteristics such as blood groups and other medically oriented features.
- Cultural anthropology studies the phenomena of folk illness and primitive medical practices.
- Archaeology reconstructs the past and uncovers evidence of past health and disease.
- Linguistics involves the study of how people categorize disease and illness.
Medical anthropology therefore has multiple specialties.
Many Americans might argue that anthropology is an esoteric endeavor that only an academician would find worthy of study. Today we find ourselves in a world with global ecological problems. Now more than ever we need to remind ourselves that although we are a unique species we did not become so overnight and are still subject to the same natural processes as other living organisms.
Required Textbooks & Materials
McElroy, A. & Townsend, P. (2004). Medical Anthropology in Ecological Perspective. (4th Ed.). Westview Press, San Francisco. ISBN: 978-0-8-1333821-7.
Lessons & Exams
You have up to 9 months from your enrollment date to complete:
- 13 Lessons
- 2 Proctored Exams
Each assignment consists of a short narrative, a chapter reading, and a number of review questions. You will be required to complete and submit the questions for each lesson. Each exam will cover several lessons and will consist of multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions.
NOTE: Course information, including tuition, technology requirements, textbooks, lessons and exams, is subject to change without notice.