Time Schedule:
Rachel R Chapman
ANTH 369
Seattle Campus
Delineation and analysis of a specific problem or related problems in sociocultural anthropology.
Class description
Course Description: There is indisputable evidence of deep and persistent racial/ethnic inequalities in health status and health care in the US. Growing awareness of these disparities has fueled a cross-disciplinary debate about appropriate approaches to racial/ethnic disparities in public health research and policy discourse. What does recent work of medical anthropologists have to offer that is most useful in the crucial work of understanding and eliminating health disparities? Using mostly African American case studies, this course seeks to facilitate the development of critical conceptual frameworks for research explorations and action agendas aimed at eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities. Drawing on multidisciplinary sources, the course examines the meaning of race/ethnicity and the role of race and racism as a powerful and contested cultural constructs and ethnicity as part of a historically situated cultural identity in shaping individual and community health and life chances at multiple levels. Emphasis is placed on analysis of the broader systems of culture, social economic structures and social conditions that contribute to inequality, poverty and poor health in vulnerable communities. Students will be asked to expand the discussion to include other race/ethnic group experiences and dynamics of their interest through independent research to open the dialogue and shape collective responses to the need for new approaches to health and health care in the US.
Student learning goals
Course Objectives 1) To present advanced medical anthropology and global health students with a critical approach to understanding and addressing racial/ethnic health disparities through reading and discussing classic and contemporary medical anthropological works and films ranging broadly across topics, time, and place as a foundation for future research and action;
2) To explore the core ideas, questions and approaches of medical anthropology to apply to their own intellectual and research program development goals in health research, practice, service delivery or personal experience of health care disparities;
3) To introduce participants to approaches to and theories on racial/ethnic health disparities;
4) To expose participants to important concepts and methodological issues in contemporary medical anthropology;
5) To encourage participants to develop and focus their own research and practice orientations through the development of a mini health disparity elimination project.
General method of instruction
anything goes, mostly discussion and student presentation based
Recommended preparation
Take and pass ANTH 215, complete all readings for class discussion
Class assignments and grading
Overview of Course Requirements – Assignments and Evaluations 1. Participation: This course is a reading, writing and responding intensive! It is also a student discussion rather than lecture based course. You must complete required readings in preparation for class discussion periods. Class attendance is required, and active class participation during discussion periods is essential. My goal is to make class as interactive as possible. Speak up, ask questions, and share your experience. DO NOT take this course if you do not like to do any of these things or if you are expecting a lecture.
2. Class Written Work: A brief response piece is required for each set of readings. Use the prompts following each class reading assignment to complete the short written homework in preparation for class. You do not need to spend more than 1 hour total on these written homework assignments. They are for the purpose of keeping you up with readings AND facilitating substantive discussion in class. You should have them out and use them for discussions. Unless drawing diagrams or other creative assignment, all response assignments must be typed so they can be shared electronically. You are responsible for maintaining your own copies of assignments. NO late summaries will count so hand in the professor’s copy of whatever you have at the end of each class. You may write on and add to your notes throughout class and it will be counted!
3. Final Paper: Choose a community of interest to you and write a brief report (3-5 pages) summarizing the following in short, clear sections: A. The final model for critical approaches to race/ethnic health disparities; B. Health disparities at the national level; C. Health disparities at the Washington State level; D. Health disparities at the City of Seattle Level; E. Summarize one health disparity of interest to you at the WA State or Seattle City (or other planning unit) level; F. Write a draft of an ordinance that would address the health disparity issue and a brief proposal (3-5 pages) for a local action you would suggest to the appropriate body (which you must research) in order to pass the ordinance you propose.
4. Class Presentations: Each student should sign up to present 1 article or book of your choice during the quarter. Use the guideline below to prepare your 5 minute presentation. The 4th step requires a synthesis of the week’s readings. Be prepared to help lead class discussion.
5. Grading System: Participation - 10% Class Written Work - 50% Presentation - 10% Health Disparity Paper - 30% TOTAL 100%
