This course examines major themes in the history of western medicine, with a particular focus on medicine in Australia. It traces the changing experience of health, disease, and the healing professions from the eighteenth century to the present. Topics include: the evolving culture of medicine and allied health professions; the changing nature of medical technology and pharmaceuticals; the social meaning of disease; relationships between science, industry and medical practice; and the changing doctor-patient relationship.

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to :

• articulate a general understanding of major developments and themes in the history of modern western medicine. (LO1)

• demonstrate familiarity with  historiographic methods and their application to the history of medicine  (LO2)

• express articulately in both written and oral forms an historical analysis of a topic in western medicine. (LO3)

Assessment will be based on:

• -               1500-word first paper                         20% (LO 1)

• -               1000-word paper - preparation for final paper       15% (LO 2)

• -               presentation                                          20% (LO 3)

• -               final paper                                             35% (LO2 and LO3)

• -               attendance and participation in tutorials 10% (LO 3)

3 hours per week of lectures and seminars, with weekly readings and online contact (total of ten hours per week)

Bachelor degree

There is no assumed knowledge or skills, other than general academic ability to critically analyse texts and prepare and present reasoned arguments.

There are no prescribed texts for this course – all course readings will be excerpts from larger works or journal articles and will be available electronically on the course website.

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