Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences
Updated on: 28/06/2015
Course Name and Number: Society and Health 74-424-18
Dr. Zev Kalifon
Course Type: Theoretical Seminar
School Year: 5776
Semester: 1st-2nd
Hours: 2 weekly
Course Website: Search in Moodle under the name Dr. Zev Kalifon
A. Purposes of the Course: To teach the importance of the social sciences (particualrly cultural
anthropology and sociology but also criminology, geography and economics) to the understanding
of modern medicine and its method of thinking. We will examine how the culture and the society
define what health and illness are and the appropriate ways of treatment. In addition, we will
examine the healing process as part of the social system that defines and classifies people by
differing needs. The course will seek out the differences and similarities between modern and
traditional medical systems and will attempt to demonstrate in which fields the traditional medicine
can help the modern medicine (and vice versa).
B. Content of the Course: In the first semester, the lecturer will present a number of cultural and
social dilemmas faced by modern medicine, for instance: cultural differences in modern medicine,
ecology and medicine , nutrition and culture, identification of diseases, traditional medicine and
alternative medicine, the institutions of modern medicine, economics and medicine, socialist vs.
capitalist medicine etc. Participation in these lessons is essential to understanding of the field and
searching for topics for papers.
In the first half of the second semester, group meetings will not be held. The lecturer will reserve
the time of the seminar for clarifying problems arising from the work assignments (research
questions, searching for bibliography and preparing the in-class presentation).
In the second half of the second semester, the participants will present their papers to the class.
Course of the Lesson: In the first semester – Frontal lectures (with PowerPoint presentations,
movies etc.). In the second semester – The students will present their papers.
Detailed Teaching Plan for All Classes:
1
Class No.
Topic of Class
1-13
Issues in society
and health –
Demonstration and
searching for topics
Required
Reading
Payer
Comments
14-20
21-26
Individual meetings
for the purpose of
preparing the
presentations and
the seminar paper
Presentations
According to the
topics of the
papers
C. Course Requirements:
Participation in the classes, presentations and a seminar paper.
The topics of the papers will be determined in in coordination with the lecturer by the end of
December 2015.
Towards the end of the year (Classes 21-26) every participant will present the key points of his/her
written paper (about 20 minutes). Papers can be submitted jointly by two students (in coordination
with the lecturer, the presentation will then be about 30 minutes).
Final Grade: 15% presentation and participation, 85% seminar paper
D. Bibliography: (Required) Most of the reading will focus upon the student’s specific topic. In
addition, it is recommended that you read:
Lynn Payer, Medicine and Culture as a general introduction to the seminar.
Reserved under PAY (000357246)
In addition, the following bibliography may will assist you in searching for a topic for papers.
1. S. Deshen, Blind People .
Reserved: under DES (000206921)
2. Z. Gussow and G.S. Tracy, Leprosy.
The book isn't available in the library. Please ask your lecturer.
3. R.A. Hahn, Sickness and Healing.
306.461 HAH s (286787)
4. B. Jordan, Birth in Four Cultures.
306 JOR b2 (453023)
5. A. Kiev, Magic Faith and Healing.
616.89 MAG 1964 (000468397)
6. A. Kleinman, Patients and Healers in the Context of Culture.
Reserved: under KLE (000148939)
7. D. Landy, Culture Disease and Healing.
362.1 CUL (244040)
8. T. Scheff, Labelling Madness.
06098.116 LAB (571886)
9. L. Thomas, The Lives of a Cell
570.1 THO l (000571749)
10.
2
L. Thomas, The Youngest Science.
610.92 THO(THO) y (001159107)