Wikipedia:Wiki Ed/University of Pennsylvania/Medical Missionaries to Community Partners (Fall 2015)

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Global health is an often repeated goal for modern leaders of countries and non-governmental organizations. Despite its modernity, this goal has been elusive for more than 100 years and despite scientific advancement. Critics highlight language of a new imperialism through aid programs, exoticizing through medical tourism, and the reification of traditional social hierarchies. We will examine the evolution over time and place of people and programs to improve health of “underserved” populations globally. Traditionally categorized as public health programs and efforts to achieve a just society, we will develop an evaluation tool for past programs and conceptualize future partnerships on both a local and international stage. Students should expect to question broadly held beliefs about perceived good and service. Ultimately we will examine the concept of partnership and the notion of shared ownership, control, and goals between outside expert and inside community member. Students will be expected to develop a historical narrative regarding a medical missionary or concept in missionary medicine. At the end of the course, students should have an introductory view of fields that contribute to the conceptualization of health (history, anthropology, global politics, and biomedicine).