AHIS3580

Health and Disease over the Ages

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2009, 2006, 2004

Examines attitudes towards, and concepts of, health and disease from ancient Greek and Roman medicine until modern times. It includes material on gynaecology and mental health.

Objectives 1. To introduce students to a wide range of evidence, ancient and modern.
2. Comparative approaches to disease in society.
3. Placing ideas in their contemporary historical context thrugh time/slices of comparative historical time.
Content 1. The impact of Greek science and Hippocrates on attitudes towards health.
2. Soranus and the rise of Greek Gynaecological science: The interaction of Mediterranean history and culture.
3. The roles of ethics and philosophy: An historical overview.
4. Epidemic disease in the ancient and modern worlds.
5. Susan Sontag: Aids as a metaphor for plague.
6. The rise, fall and rise again of midwifery: Midwives in cultural and historical contexts.
7. The impact of the "nature versus nurture" controversy on human health.
8. Historical perspectives on Age and Health.
9. Perspectives on madness and illness through historical time.
10. Problems related to notions of health and disability.
Replacing Course(s) n/a
Transition n/a
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge 20 units at any level in Ancient History or History
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments 2 x Seminar papers, each 25%
Examination: Formal Examination, 50%
Contact Hours Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for 13 weeks