Paleoepidemiology and Epidemiological Transitions

Recommended Prerequisites

Good knowledge of the English language.

Teaching Methods

The theoretical and conceptual basis of the paleoepidemiology will be taught with expositive and descriptive methodologies. Students are encouraged to take an active attitude in search of background information, in problem solving and in planning and executing diverse activities related to syllabus content. Students will be evaluated by a theoretical final exam (70%) and a written critical analysis/synthesis work (30%).

Learning Outcomes

The main objective of this curricular unit is to provide to the students solid knowledge in the domain of paleoepidemiology and human epidemiological transitions. It is intended that students understand the main selective factors, of a biological, social, cultural and environmental nature, underlying the great transitions along the evolutionary path of humans. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the main methodological resources used in paleoepidemiological research and their potential to help understand some current global public health problems. The inherent complexity of the diachronic analysis of health and human diseases in past populations will be demonstrated using case studies from different chronological, geographical and cultural contexts.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Paleoepidemiology

1.1. Historical contextualization and disciplinary framework

1.2. Theoretical concepts, limits and potential

1.3. Paleoepidemiological research: sources, methods, techniques and applications

1.4. How to design a paleoepidemiological study

2. Epidemiological transitions

2.1. The great human transitions: paleoanthropological, bioarchaeological and historical evidence

2.2. Epidemiological transitions: historical sketch and theoretical foundation

2.3. Human epidemiological transitions in context

2.4. Epidemics, pandemics, syndemics and global health: an anthropological perspective

3. Paleoepidemiology and epidemiological transitions: case studies.

Head Lecturer(s)

Vítor Miguel Jacinto Matos

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 30.0%
Exam: 70.0%

Bibliography

Barrett, R., & Armelagos, G. J. (2013). An unnatural history of emerging infections. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Campbell, B. M. S. (2016). The great transition: climate, disease and society in the Late-Medieval World. Cambridge: Cambridge Universty Press.

Kelly, A. H., Keck, F., & Lynteris, C. (Eds.). (2019). The anthropology of epidemics. New York: Routledge.

Singer, M., & Erickson, P. I. (2013). Global health: an anthropological perspective. Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press.

Sobral, J. M., Lima, M. L., Castro, P., & Sousa, P. S. (Eds.). (2009). A pandemia esquecida: olhares comparados sobre a pneumónica 1918-1919. Lisboa: Imprensa de Ciências Sociais.

Waldron, T. (2007). Palaeoepidemiology: the measure of disease in the human past. Walnut Creek, CA: Left Coast Press.

Zuckerman, M. K. (Ed.) (2014). Modern environments and human health: revisiting the second epidemiological transition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.