This course explores Indigenous South American perspectives on nature, the body, and plant knowledge, introducing participants to the fundamental frameworks and cosmologies associated with shamanic traditions and the cultural relationships among plants, rituals, and human life. Topics include sacred plants and related scientific research, the geographical evolution and civilizations of South America, and the ways cosmological beliefs are expressed through crafts and ritual objects. Through cross-cultural and medical humanities perspectives, participants will explore how Indigenous South American cultures understand the relationships among human beings, nature, community, the body, and traditional practices of care.
The course combines a pre-recorded online core module with in-person sessions. The 3-hour core module, From Body to Care: A Cross-Cultural Perspective on Medical Humanities, provides a foundation for understanding cultural perspectives on the body, medicine, and care. This is followed by 12 hours of in-person instruction exploring shamanic traditions and cosmologies, sacred plants, the development of South American civilizations, and the cultural meanings embodied in crafts and ritual objects.
1. Cross-cultural perspectives on medical humanities, the body, and care
What Is Shamanism? Frameworks and Cosmologies
2. Sacred Plants of the World and Scientific Research
3. South America: Geography, Civilizations, and Contemporary Transformations
4. Cosmology in Crafts and Ritual Objects
This course is designed for adults interested in Indigenous South American cultures, plant knowledge, shamanic traditions, perspectives on the body, and cross-cultural learning. No prior background in anthropology, healthcare, or related fields is required. It is also suitable for professionals in healthcare, health promotion, education, the humanities and social sciences, and cultural fields, as well as anyone interested in exploring Indigenous South American cultures through perspectives on nature, culture, and everyday wisdom.
1. This course is intended for cultural and general educational purposes. It does not provide individual diagnosis, treatment, prescriptions, therapeutic claims, or personal health consultation.
2. The course comprises 15 hours in total: a 3-hour pre-recorded online core module and 12 hours of in-person instruction.
3. This is a non-credit course. Participants who complete the course in accordance with the requirements will receive a Continuing Education Certificate of Completion issued by Taipei Medical University.
4. Course dates, content, instructors, and delivery format are subject to change. Any changes will be announced by the organizer.
Course Contact：陳建維 02-2736-1661#22815
