The Anthropology of Global Health

Course content

The overall aim of this course is to investigate connections between anthropology and global health. This course introduces students to core concepts in medical anthropology to deepen understandings of the structural underpinnings of health practices and perceptions. More specifically, the course delves into how social-political, economic and cultural factors shape and animate health care around the world.

Students will be introduced to how such learnings can be applied to global health research and practice. They will learn about the relevance of anthropological research methods, particularly ethnography, in the context of global health.

Key course topics include: Inequality, vulnerability and global health; exceptional outbreaks and the everyday in health; health care systems and healing traditions; role of medical technologies; and the applied nature of the anthropology of global health.

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to think critically and creatively about health problems and policies and to envision innovative and effective responses to some of the main health challenges. 

Education

MSc Programme in Global Health - compulsory

Learning outcome

Learning objectives:

On completion of the course, students should be able to:

Knowledge

  • Discuss the main contributions, challenges and possibilities offered by an anthropological approach to global health
  • Describe and discuss socio-political, economic and cultural factors influencing health, sickness and healing in different societies
  • Identify and discuss, from an anthropological point of view, the role of  different stakeholders at international, national, and local levels.

 

Skills:

  • Work in an inter-disciplinary and collaborative manner
  • Apply relevant anthropological concepts in the analysis of health care practices, perceptions and systems.
  • Communicate research-based knowledge efficiently through class participation, group work and written assignments.

 

Competencies:

  • Develop analytical understanding of the links between anthropology and global health
  • Critically read and reflect on anthropological texts
  • Demonstrate good written and verbal communication competencies

Different pedagogical approaches will be used during the module:

• Formal lectures by selected teachers followed by discussions
• Group assignments (both small class-room assignments as well as home-work) assignments)
• Case-work
• Student presentations
• Peer-feedback

The reading list includes peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. In addition, we include podcasts and other popular media if and when relevant for the teaching.

For credit transfer students:
If you are applying for the course as a credit transfer student, you must have passed courses in qualitative and quantitative research methodology, for 5 ECTS respectively. Documentation for corresponding competencies in the form of a course description and an exam result must be attached to your application.

Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)

Time is allocated during class for the groups to convene and work on the assignment while tutor or course responsible is present to provide guidance and supervision.

ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral exam on basis of previous submission under invigilation
Type of assessment details
The report(s) are prepared during the course and form the basis of the exam. The exam is a group exam (each group includes four to five students). The assignment will be a written group report, max 10 pages, to be submitted the second week of January. Followed by a group oral exam, 15 minutes pr student and a 30 minutes minimum, without preparation. Students will get an individual grademark, based on the written exam and the oral performance (with individual marks).
Examination prerequisites



 

Aid
All aids allowed

For the programme report, all aids are allowed.

For the oral exam, all aids are allowed.

 

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and originality of the text, including ensuring that the text is not factually incorrect, plagiarized, or contains copyrighted material. AI/LLM’s may not be used as an actual author or a scientific source cf. Vancouver Guidelines.

You must use KU’s template to declare your use of gAI in your assignment.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More than one internal examiner.
Exam period

See the exam schedule

Re-exam

In case of 10 or fewer students registered for re-exam

Type of assessment: Oral examination

Assessment details: 30 minutes examination

Preparation: 30 minutes

Criteria for exam assessment

 

To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student must be able to demonstrate

Knowledge

- on the social, political, economic and cultural factors influencing health practices and perceptions in different societies

- on the role and relevance of anthropological concepts, approaches and methods in global health


Skills

- related to applying relevant concepts from anthropology to global health

- related to team work and to effective collaboration and communciation 
 

Competencies


- in critically reflecting on the factors impacting health perceptions and practices using anthropological tools 

 

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 42
  • Preparation
  • 135
  • Exam
  • 30
  • English
  • 207

Kursusinformation

Language
English
Course number
SGLK20003U
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Programme level
Full Degree Master
Duration

1 block

Placement
Spring And Block 4
Schedulegroup
Please see the Schedule in Syllabus.
Capacity
46 participants.
Studyboard
Study Board for Public Health Science, Global Health and Health Informatics
Contracting department
  • Department of Public Health
Contracting faculty
  • Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Course Coordinator
  • Maansi Parpiani   (15-776b6b787d73387a6b7c7a736b78734a7d7f786e38757f386e75)
Saved on the 12-03-2026

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