Special Topics in Environmental Policy and Culture (390-0-21)
Topic
Introduction to Ethnopharmacology
Instructors
Eli Suzukovich III
1810 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60208-1310
Meeting Info
Parkes Hall 212: Fri 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Overview of class
Course title: Introduction to Ethnopharmacology
Ethnopharmacology is the basis for modern pharmacological science and methods, is a scientific field that utilizes ethnography, medical anthropology, pharmacology, toxicology, botany, and historic ethnobiological methods and theories to document and understand the plants, animals, and minerals used cultural and regionally based medical systems and pharmacopeia. Ethnopharmacology instructs the student on the source materials of ancient and modern medicinal compounds, along with their processing and cultural significance.
The goal of the class is to introduce students to the use of plants, animals, and minerals in developing medicines and the cultural theories and methodologies behind such medicines. We will examine plant metabolites, lipids, resins, and toxins; animal venoms and poisons; medicinal fungi; and minerals used in early and modern medicines.
Students will participate in class lectures and outdoor field collection of medicinal plants found on Northwestern's campus. Students will be assigned a plant from which they will create both an analog and digital plant voucher. The vouchers will be kept on campus as a yearly record of the types of medicinal plants found on campus and to track the yearly growth. Students will also learn how to make basic medicinal products (form plants that are known to be safe) such as salves, balms, and tinctures.