ANTH 105 - Introduction to Public and Global Health

Institution:

Williams College

Subject:

Anthropology

Description:

Public health focuses on improving health at the level of individuals, communities, or populations. It seeks to understand both individual and collective behaviors that shape health outcomes in the world today. This class introduces students to core concepts and methods within the fields of public and global health. It investigates the interrelationship of individual and social choices with demographic and biological factors in producing health outcomes. We look at the pathology and epidemiology of the major diseases and health disparities in the world today, focusing as much on health equity as on the social and cultural constructions of illness, disease, and health-seeking behaviors. We explore several case studies to understand the contributing causes of and policy initiatives around the major crises in global health today including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and maternal mortality. The course involves multiple disciplinary perspectives including anthropology, sociology, economics, biology, bioethics, and political science. By the end of the semester, we will understand what creates effective public health policy for individuals as well as communities. How does one reconcile the competing moral, social, and human rights claims in shaping health policies and practices at a variety of levels?

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Seminar

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.williams.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 597-3131

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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