BC/0168 (sec
7)
Social and Community Medicine
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Professor: Symonds Course format: Seminar Number of respondents: 24 Total Enrollment: 33
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"AIDS in International Perspective" requires that its enrollees possess a basic knowledge of AIDS nad the policies used to combat it. In addition, a background in anthropology or in social science is helpful, since the goal of the course is to provide students with a greater understanding of the disease by examining it from various social, psychological, economic, anthropological, and political perspectives.
The respondents said that the instructor did not lecture often; instead, she invited guest speakers and scheduled discussions led by students each Thursday. Although the reviewers found her teaching style discouraging, they appreciated her knowledge of and enthusiasm for the course material. They found her to be truly interested in the students, as well as accessible and approachable outside of class.
On average, respondents spent three to six hours per week outside of class on the course. The workload consisted of three papers with fairly flexible topics, one presentation on a written paper, weekly reading assignments, and two class discussions that they had to lead. The students devoted a moderate amount of effort to the class, stating that the interesting material motivated them to learn and complete course work. The reviewers liked the videos shown in class as well as the guest lectures, because they were dynamic and captured their attention. In addition, the students felt that the class discussions motivated them, making this a course one where they enjoyed putting in a lot of effort. The instructor also provided the reviewers with many opportunities for participation, though she did not observe Reading Period; student presentations and class meetings were scheduled during that time.
From this course, students were exposed to the difficulties of dealing with all aspects of AIDS, not just the medical one. They described this class as one that changed their perspective on the world. Overall, reviewers were very satisfied with their experience in this course.
View BC/0168 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.
