The University of Memphis
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Core Courses | Elective Courses | Faculty

The Medical track emphasizes the understanding of both biological and sociocultural factors as they influence patterns of health and disease. Students will be involved with the study of receptivity to medical treatment among different ethnic groups, the role of lifestyle and nutrition in the prevention and causation of disease, and the dynamics of various medical delivery systems.

This track combines theoretical training with practical experience in medically related fields for applied anthropologists interested in health and healthcare issues. Training encompasses both western and traditional forms of healthcare and examines issues of policy formation and implementation. The department involves, at various times, both students and faculty in local, regional, national, and international healthcare research.

Core Courses:                                                                                                                                                                   ˆTOP

The Medical M.A. Program requires 36 hours of completed coursework.  Medical anthropology students, along with students in the other two tracks, must take the following four courses to form the basis for competence as anthropologists, regardless of the student's chosen applied specialization.

  • Seminar in Cultural Anthropology (ANTH 7200-8200)

  • Methods in Anthropology (ANTH 7075-8075)

  • Techniques of Anthropological Data Analyses (ANTH 7076-8076)

  • Applied Anthropology and Development (ANTH 7255)

Application to all three tracks is made during each course, and students are encouraged to focus their practical exercises within their own areas of interest in their chosen applied field. In addition to the common courses, medical anthropology students must also take these two track-specific courses:

  • Medical Anthropology (ANTH 6511)

  • Anthropology of Health Care (ANTH 7511)

Elective Courses:                                                                                                                                                            ˆTOP

  • Human Adaptations (ANTH 6111)

  • Ecological Anthropology (ANTH 6200)

  • Psychological Anthropology (ANTH 6251)

  • Alcohol, Drugs, and Culture (ANTH 6531)

  • Nutritional Anthropology (ANTH 6541)

  • Culture, Sex, and Childbirth (ANTH 6551)

  • Seminar in Biocultural Anthropology (ANTH 7100-8100)

  • Community, Culture, and Program Evaluation (ANTH 7250) 

  • Biocultural Epidemiology (ANTH 7521-8521)

  • Special Topics in Medical Anthropology (ANTH 7590-99)

All tracks must complete a practicum. The practicum is designed to provide hands-on experience in the student’s area of interest. This allows the student to gain practical experience and make contacts in a variety of organizations and agencies and can lead to gainful employment. For a complete description of information on requirements, admission, and courses offered, see Degree Program, Requirements, and Course Descriptions.

Faculty:                                                                                                                                                                              ˆTOP

At present, there are four faculty members who deal with health issues: Dr.Linda Bennett, Dr.Ruthbeth Finerman, Dr. Satish Kedia, and Dr. Charles Williams. However, many U of M alumni and other practicing anthropologists live in the Memphis area and contribute to our program through adjunct status and as practicum supervisors.

 
 
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