WST 207: Cultural Perspectives of Health, Disability & Wellness

Class Program
Credits 3

Health care is as much a part of culture as religion. A particular culture not only shapes and defines illness, disability and health but also determines what illnesses are available, who get them. and how they are treated. This course will deal with in-depth analyses and comparison of several traditional non-western health care philosophies and approaches including eastern ( Chinese), middle eastern, Latino, and native American. Students will explore cultural factors related to therapeutic motivation, including health related beliefs and values, the quality of the health professional-patient communication process, and issues related to client control of treatment and dependency on the health professional and health care system.