Fall 2001

    HS 123: Cultural Contact in the Americas

This course focuses upon the cultures of the Nahua, Inca, Maya, and Spanish peoples during the contact and conquest periods (1400s-1600s). We will examine the different cultural, economic, social, philosophical, and political systems of these peoples, both before and after conquest. The course explores how and why these cultures, though conquered, shape the Spanish-American colonial system as it developed in these regions.

This course focuses upon the social history of medicine from a variety of cultural, historical, political, and social perspectives. After a discussion of conceptual tools used in the study of the social history of medicine, we will examine the Western medical tradition from 500 BCE until the twentieth century in broad brushstrokes. We will next explore the primary features that have shaped medicine and health in the Americas, both north and south. Throughout, an effort will be made to consider different frames of medicine and how they affect healing and ideologies.

This course “provides students who have recently returned from study abroad with a common focus for the exchange of ideas about [their] diverse international experiences.” We will spend much of our class time thinking about the multicultural dimensions of your study abroad experience. We will also think about the process of globalization, helping you to improve your ability to analyze this all-important force in the contemporary world.
 
Your study abroad period, whether it lasted one or two semesters, will be remembered as one of the special experiences of your life. This class will also help you to reflect upon your study abroad experience in ways that will help others maximize their time abroad.