Critical Analysis:
For your final paper you will critically analyze a reference from popular culture. This could include but is not limited to a podcast, TV show, documentary, news article, art piece, etc. This should be a source of inspiration. Here are some topics that I have heard discussed in the news this week alone: Ebola control in west Africa (from various angles);
A new semi-effective malaria vaccine;
Death midwives/doulas;
Health inequalities in America (i.e. Baltimore teens are worse off than many teens in Southern Africa);
Precarious labour and health care in Canada among newcomers;
Refugees trying to cross into Europe from North Africa;
Anti-vaxxers and vaccine delayers;Please note: Doing a critical analysis does not mean only pointing out what is negative or what you dislike or disagree with from the reference. It means thinking critically about the ways that words and images can be used to shape a particular perspective about an issue.
For example: How is the issue being portrayed? What might you take away after reading/seeing it? What issues have been addressed? What issues have been left out? How are individuals or groups being represented? How might power dynamics have shaped the way this issue was portrayed? What kinds of solutions do they promote? What kinds of solutions are foreclosed? How has your opinion changed about this controversy based on your readings during this course?
A good final paper will situate this issue within a wider context by examining how research and theory in medical anthropology ht inform our understanding of this issue or problem (i.e.: What have studies about this issue revealed? How do particular ideas or theories presented in anthropological literature relate to this issue?) A good paper will be clear, concise and incorporate anthropological perspectives successfully (more about this will be discussed in class). The QUALITY OF YOUR WRITING COUNTS!!