The Anthropology of AIDS
Potsdam College of the State University of New York
Department of Anthropology
Patricia Whelehan, Ph.D, CST, CAI
ANT 311
T, Th: 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Fall
Books/Readings:
And the Band Played On (paperback revised), R. Shilts
The AIDS Caregivers' Manual, T. Eldson, ed.
Love, Medicine and Miracles, B. Siegal
Health and Healing, A. Weil
Scientific American, Oct. '88, "What Science Knows About AIDS."
Reserve readings as appropriate including MMWR to update data.
Evaluation:
A 15-20 page research paper required. At six weeks, a paper title, outline and bibliography will be submitted and graded. At spring break, the rough draft is due. The final paper is due the last day of class. This paper and class participation comprise your grade.
Requirements:
(1) The research paper is your formal source of evaluation. Deadlines are non-negotiable.
(2) Class attendance is mandatory. I follow the attendance policy described in the college catalog. After three unexcused absences, you will be asked to drop the course.
(3) Class preparation and participation are required and mandatory. It is the only way I know that the objectives can be met.
(4) Anthropology 150 (Human Sexuality) is required.
Objectives:
The anthropological perspectives of holism and relativism are the foundation of this course. AIDS, a global health problem, affects the species at all levels of our being. We are going to examine AIDS medically, biologically, culturally, economically, politically, behaviorally. We will apply these perspectives to specific groups as relevant. We will be doing anthropology.
The agenda for this course is to reach a cognitive understanding of AIDS which is internalized so that our attitudes and behaviors keep ourselves and others healthy and safe.
This class will be conducted as a seminar. This means that the assigned readings are done so that class discussion of the readings can be conducted. You are expected to come to class prepared to discuss, question, and apply the readings. The topics are a guide, and we will proceed through them at the group's pace. Confidentiality and trust are integral parts of the course. I will do what I can to create a safe, trusting environment in which each of us and the group can explore this phenomenon.
Paper: Library based research to develop the topic of your choice is required.
Requirement: The paper needs footnotes and a bibliography to be accepted.
NO CLASSES: February 20-21, March 27-31
PAPERS DUE: Friday, April 28
Proposed Topics, Reading Assignments and Lectures
I. Introduction to Course
II. The Anthropological Perspective As It Applies to AIDS
III. The Biology and Virology of AIDS
from Scientific American, Oct. '88
Dr. Thomas Budd, SLU, Biology
IV. The Epidemiology of AIDS
MMWR: updates from Scientific American, Oct. '88
intro. to each chapter And The Band Played On
V. Medical Aspects of AIDS
from Scientific American, Oct. '88
Ms. Barbara Wheaton, Student Health Center
AIDS Caregivers' Manual
VI. The Anthropology of Health and Illness
Fabrega's model of Illness and Disease
Weil: Health and Healing¯
Siegal: Love, Medicine and Miracles
VII. The Politics of AIDS
Shilts: And The Band Played On
Masters, Johnson, Kolodny: Heterosexuality and the Crisis of AIDS
VIII.The Economics of AIDS
Shilts: And The Band Played On
IX. Socio-Psychological Dimension of AIDS
from Scientific American, Oct. '88
AIDS Caregivers' Manual
X. AIDS and Sexuality
Andres Gonzales del Valle, Latino AIDS
Dan Ford, Larkin Street Youth Center
The Guide to Safer Sex IASHS
Safer Sex Mechanisms
XI. AIDS and Drugs
Andres Gonzales del Valle, Latino AIDS
XII. AIDS and Risk Taking
XIII.Values Clarification
XIV. HIV Test Issues
NYS ATS forms
from Scientific American, Oct. '88
Mr. Howard LaVigne, NYSD
XV. The Personal Dimension of AIDS
Ms. Ruth Garner
XVI. AIDS: Grieving and Loss
Dr. Lou Lagrand / Dr. Frank McLaughlin
XVII.AIDS and Humanity: What we've been given. Where we go.