This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module addresses the causes, effects, treatments and meanings of health, illness and disease for humans and the ecosystems that they live in. The module content will be structured around five broad themes related to holism, health and healing, drawing on ethnographic examples from around the world.
We will begin with a consideration of the evolutionary basis of human medicine and dietary behaviour. Next, we will take a closer look at healing systems, their structure and the various theories of illness and therapeutic techniques that they encompass. This will be followed by a critical examination of the biopolitics of health and healing, including the question of how to define and assess the efficacy of various medical treatments. We will then take a closer look at the spiritual aspects of health and healing before concluding with the final theme of holism, health and healing in the globalized world.
Private Study: 130
Contact Hours: 20
Total: 150
Optional to the following courses:
• MSc Ethnobotany
• MA Social Anthropology, Humanitarian and Environmental Crises
Also available as an elective module
Main assessment methods
• Essay, 2,000 - 2,500 words (60%)*
• Presentation, 10 minutes (40%)*
*Both assessments are pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.
Reassessment methods
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The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Critically assess human nutritional requirements/recommendations from an evolutionary perspective
2 Understand how and why medicinal plants affect human physiology in different biocultural contexts
3 Rigorously analyse the implications of nature, complexity and richness of human diversity and adaptation in health and wellness
4 Critically analyse the diverse strategies that humans have developed for dealing with illness and disease
5 Critically engage with the wide range of variation in cultural models and technologies of medicine and health as reported in ethnography
6 Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of anthropological debates concerning health inequality, the relationship between health and the body and the historical development of biomedicine.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
