136-451 Disease and Culture

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Subject Description

An overview of the cultural and historical study of disease and biomedicine. Building on recent work in the history of the biomedical sciences, the sociology of illness, and cultural studies, this course traces the emergence of interest in embodiment, gender, race, sexuality, and colonialism. In 1998 we will focus on the relations of the history of medicine to the history of the body. No previous study of the history of medicine is required. Students who complete this subject should: develop a thorough understanding of modern approaches to the historical study of the biomedical sciences; gain an awareness of the cultural framing of epidemic and chronic disease in Western and non-Western societies; be able to analyse critically a range of contemporary biomedical and public health interventions.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on one essay of 5000 words (80%), class participation (10%) and a class presentation (10%).