Students

ANTX202 – Illness and Healing

2018 – S2 OUA

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Timothy Lynch
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The unit offers an introduction to medical anthropology and cross-cultural beliefs relating to illness and healing. Different notions about disease causality are examined, as well as the way in which disease has social as well as biological origins. Healing practices, including Western biomedicine, are treated as being inevitably predicated on cultural systems of understanding. Specific topics include the abnormal, culture bound syndromes, body techniques, witchcraft, shamanism, placebos and the 'meaning effect', discipline, social suffering, illness narratives, the relationship between illness and social experience, clinical encounters and changing concepts of mental health. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • To acquire an understanding of medical anthropology and develop an understanding of cross-cultural beliefs relating to illness and healing.
  • To gain familiarity with medical anthropological ethnography and ethnographic approaches to the investigation of illness and healing
  • Understand how biology, culture, politics, and ecology interact to shape illness and health, health systems, and patterns.
  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Essay 40% No Sunday Week 8
Book Review 10% No Sunday Week 11
Exam 40% No Sunday 'Week 14'
Weekly Participation 10% No Weekly

Essay

Due: Sunday Week 8
Weighting: 40%

Essay length: 2000 words. Questions will relate to topics covered in the first half of the session (that is, Weeks 1-7), and  will be distributed early in the session. Selected bibliographies will be provided with each question but because there is so much literature on cross-cultural issues of health, students are also encouraged to utilise material of their own finding. Any use of internet sources must be referenced accordingly


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To acquire an understanding of medical anthropology and develop an understanding of cross-cultural beliefs relating to illness and healing.
  • To gain familiarity with medical anthropological ethnography and ethnographic approaches to the investigation of illness and healing
  • Understand how biology, culture, politics, and ecology interact to shape illness and health, health systems, and patterns.
  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Book Review

Due: Sunday Week 11
Weighting: 10%

Students will write a summary of the key insights gained from two chapters from the assigned text And The Spirit Catches You. Summaries will be graded from 0-10 but will not be returned with comments. Minimum length is 250 words, maximum is 500 words.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To acquire an understanding of medical anthropology and develop an understanding of cross-cultural beliefs relating to illness and healing.
  • To gain familiarity with medical anthropological ethnography and ethnographic approaches to the investigation of illness and healing
  • Understand how biology, culture, politics, and ecology interact to shape illness and health, health systems, and patterns.
  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Exam

Due: Sunday 'Week 14'
Weighting: 40%

Exam questions will be posted on the MONDAY of ‘Week 14’ (that is the week FOLLOWING WEEK 13), and exam answers must be submitted by 5pm on the SUNDAY of that week.

The exam will consist of a choice of questions that link together topics covered in the second half of the session (i.e. Weeks 8-13). Each student will be required to answer the questions by writing 2 short essays (maximum 1000 words each). The final exam is in essay format and it is open-book. You must reference your exam as you would reference any academic essay.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To acquire an understanding of medical anthropology and develop an understanding of cross-cultural beliefs relating to illness and healing.
  • To gain familiarity with medical anthropological ethnography and ethnographic approaches to the investigation of illness and healing
  • Understand how biology, culture, politics, and ecology interact to shape illness and health, health systems, and patterns.
  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Weekly Participation

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%

Students will participate discussions and other activities on weekly forums. These will relate to relevant topics and themes of the course. Participation must be regular and thoughtful.

Participation is assessed in two ways: general participation in weekly forums, and what students consider to be their best two contributions to the forums. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To acquire an understanding of medical anthropology and develop an understanding of cross-cultural beliefs relating to illness and healing.
  • To gain familiarity with medical anthropological ethnography and ethnographic approaches to the investigation of illness and healing
  • Understand how biology, culture, politics, and ecology interact to shape illness and health, health systems, and patterns.
  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Delivery and Resources

The required readings for each week, as well as many other relevant readings, are available on Macquarie University Library’s eReserve for ANTX202.

Students will need to obtain a copy of The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures (1997) by Anne Fadiman. These are widely available, include on-line.   Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/ PC and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement.

Please contact teaching staff for any further, more specific requirements. Consult the OUA website for more detailed information on technology requirements: http://www.open.edu.au/public/future-students/getting-started/computer-requirements

Policies and Procedures

Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Extension Request

Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)

The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.

You need to show that the circumstances:

  1. were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
  2. were beyond your control
  3. caused substantial disruption to your academic work
  4. substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
  5. lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.

If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:

  1. Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
  2. Fill in your relevant details
  3. Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
  4. Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process

Outcome

Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.

OUA Specific Policies and Procedures

Withdrawal from a unit after the census date

You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.

If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.

If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand how biology, culture, politics, and ecology interact to shape illness and health, health systems, and patterns.
  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Book Review
  • Weekly Participation

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To acquire an understanding of medical anthropology and develop an understanding of cross-cultural beliefs relating to illness and healing.
  • To gain familiarity with medical anthropological ethnography and ethnographic approaches to the investigation of illness and healing
  • Understand how biology, culture, politics, and ecology interact to shape illness and health, health systems, and patterns.
  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Book Review
  • Exam
  • Weekly Participation

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To acquire an understanding of medical anthropology and develop an understanding of cross-cultural beliefs relating to illness and healing.
  • To gain familiarity with medical anthropological ethnography and ethnographic approaches to the investigation of illness and healing
  • Understand how biology, culture, politics, and ecology interact to shape illness and health, health systems, and patterns.
  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Book Review
  • Exam
  • Weekly Participation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To acquire an understanding of medical anthropology and develop an understanding of cross-cultural beliefs relating to illness and healing.
  • To gain familiarity with medical anthropological ethnography and ethnographic approaches to the investigation of illness and healing
  • Understand how biology, culture, politics, and ecology interact to shape illness and health, health systems, and patterns.
  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Book Review
  • Exam
  • Weekly Participation

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To acquire an understanding of medical anthropology and develop an understanding of cross-cultural beliefs relating to illness and healing.
  • To gain familiarity with medical anthropological ethnography and ethnographic approaches to the investigation of illness and healing
  • Understand how biology, culture, politics, and ecology interact to shape illness and health, health systems, and patterns.
  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Book Review
  • Exam
  • Weekly Participation

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To gain familiarity with medical anthropological ethnography and ethnographic approaches to the investigation of illness and healing
  • Understand how biology, culture, politics, and ecology interact to shape illness and health, health systems, and patterns.
  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Book Review
  • Weekly Participation

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Book Review
  • Exam
  • Weekly Participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Book Review
  • Exam
  • Weekly Participation

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To appreciate the ways in which class, gender and ethnicity shape medical systems and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and concepts of medical anthropology to critically evaluate one’s own culture and determinants of illness and health.
  • To critically evaluate Western biomedicine.
  • To apply and adapt anthropological knowledge to real world issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Book Review
  • Exam
  • Weekly Participation