History of Medicine 1 (SU0005)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : SPS-1-SUMED1h

A general introduction to the history of medicine in Western society from the Ancient Greeks to the twentieth century. It will examine some of the different ways that doctors have thought about health and illness over the past two and a half thousand years and will raise general questions about the historical origins of modern scientific medicine, the role of experts in society, the extent and limits of applicability of scientific thinking, and the relationship between scientific research and public policy. Special attention will be paid to the way that different systems of medical knowledge, and the diagnostic and therapeutic practices associated with them, were adapted to the particular social and historical environments in which they developed.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Science Studies Unit, (School of Social and Political Science, Schedule J)

Other subject areas

Environmental Courses, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 1st year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
12/01/2009	17:10	18:00	Lecture Theatre 1, Appleton Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	17:10	18:00	Central
Lecture	Tuesday	17:10	18:00	Central
Lecture	Thursday	17:10	18:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:
1. describe the main stages in the changing nature and social organisation of Western health care and healing practices, from the Ancient Greeks to the present day;
2. discuss the dominant ideas about health and illness, their causes and treatment, that have prevailed in Western medicine in different historical periods;
3. discuss how ideas about health and illness and the organisation of health care relate to the wider social and cultural context in which they are articulated;
4. critically evaluate the use of historical evidence in historical argument.

Assessment Information

Assessed by a short assessment approx. midway through the course (for up to 30% of the overall mark); and a long 2,000 word essay, submitted via WebCT to a deadline date, for the remaining possible 70% of the overall mark. In order to pass the course, the long essay must be passed.