136-528 Medicine, Biology 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.

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 reframe 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;

• 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 per cent attendance of seminars required.