Instructors:
Dr. Tania Slawecki ******** 116 Willard / 865-7928 / tms9@psu.edu
Dr. Rustum Roy ********* 102 MRL / 865-3421 / rroy@psu.edu
Dr. Catherine Augustine **** 233 Chambers / 865-0472 / caugust@psu.edu

Course Objective: To critically and scientifically evaluate a host of alternative healing therapies, assess their viability in treating a host of disorders, learn about the current state of research on them and prospects for a revised health care policy that includes such therapies. We will examine the history, politics, social impacts and policies of our allopathic medical system in contrast to those of a more integrative approach. Through this course, students will learn how to choose a method of healing that is most suitable for a given health condition and how and where to find out more information on their choices/options. Taking into account a variety of perspectives, a new framework for understanding healing and our health will be considered.

Textbook: Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide (2nd Edition) , by Burton Goldberg (Tiburon: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc., 1999); The primary course packet will be available at the Student Bookstore Downtown (SBS). Additional course content will be drawn from a vast array of sources. Reference material will also be found on websites, so internet access will be necessary. We will also have guest speakers and videos on key topics.

Grading:
Initial Survey of Knowledge (10%) - you will get credit for taking the time to fill out this initial course survey to assist us in evaluating the value and effectiveness of this course. There is no right or wrong - only honesty in your replies! (50 points)
Assignments (60%) - You will be graded on your class "health charts" (300 points) - see instructions below. They will be due Friday, December 5, 2003 .
Final Survey (10%) - you will get credit for filling out this final course survey to assist us in evaluating the value and effectiveness of this course. There is no right or wrong - only honesty in your replies! (50 points)
Final Exam (20%) - The final exam will cover key concepts that you should all take away from the course, not nit-picky details about particular techniques. (100 points)

Alternative healing modalities covered: diet/nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, kinesiology, osteopathy, cranio-sacral therapy, massage therapy, sound & light therapies, hypnotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Ayurveda, Qi-Gong, energy medicine, reiki, Shamanism, Sufi wound healing, alternative cancer therapies, the role of belief and placebo effect, and more!