First-Year Seminar (101-6-22)
Topic
A Global Perspective on Infant and Young Child Fee
Instructors
Sera Lewise Young
847/467-2174
1819 Hinman Avenue
The focus of Dr. Young’s work is on the reduction maternal and child undernutrition in low-resource settings, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Methodologically, she draws on her training in medical anthropology (MA, University of Amsterdam), international nutrition (PhD, Cornell) and HIV (Fellowship, University of California San Francisco) to take a biocultural approach to understanding how mothers in low-resource settings cope to preserve their health and that of their families.
Meeting Info
ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
Overview: The first objective of this course is to introduce students to the many ways that babies and young children are fed around the world, including breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and complementary (non-milk) foods. We will discuss the health and social consequences of each mode of infant and young child feeding (IYCF), and what the international recommendations, i.e. best practices are. The second objective is to explore why there is such variety in infant feeding worldwide. These discussions will be guided by the socio-ecological framework, in which biological, socio-cultural, and psychosocial characteristics of the individual, household, community, and national policy are considered. Influences on infant feeding will be broadly considered. To do this, we will draw on literature in global health, ethnography, evolution, and public policy. We will also consider the representation of infant feeding in popular culture. The third objective of this course is to develop critical thinking and writing abilities. These will be developed through a series of short weekly writing assignments and an in-class presentation on a recent infant feeding news item.
Evaluation Method
Success in this course depends on commitment to completing the readings, critically reflecting on them, engaging actively in discussions, and creatively integrating the insights we generate together into your written assignments and presentation.
Class Materials (Required)
Readings and films on canvas
Class Attributes
WCAS First-Year Seminar
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Year & Sophomore only