136-528 Disease and Culture

Formerly available as 136-451 and 136-069. Students who have completed 136-451 or 136-069 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. The subject may be cancelled unless enrolments reach five.

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours or a postgraduate coursework program.

This subject is an overview of the historical study of disease and biomedicine with special reference to public health in comparative, cross-cultural settings. It builds on recent work in the history of biomedical sciences, the sociology of illness, cultural studies and social theory to re-frame the history of public health. Students should develop an understanding of the cultural framing of disease in western and non-western societies; demonstrate the ability to analyse critically a range of biomedical and public health interventions; and gain experience in carrying out a research project in the history of health care, biomedical sciences and public health.

• develop skills in written and oral communication;

• be able to conduct independent research;

• make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

• form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

A 1500-word seminar diary 30% (due at the end of semester), a 500-word essay proposal and plan 10% (due mid-semester), a 3000-word research essay 50% (due at the end of semester) and class participation 10%. A hurdle requirement of 80% attendance of seminars required.