Course overview
This course explores the discoveries and innovations of medicine in the Greco-Roman world, including the ideas that laid foundations, both positive and negative, for the Western medical tradition. Beginning with the philosophers and physicians who pioneered a new scientific method in pre-classical Greece, the course analyses the new empirical theories and practices in medicine that shaped the medical landscape of the ancient world. Alongside this historical angle, the course also explores links to other important topics, such as ancient ethics and law, society, magic and religion, female bodies, and the mind and soul. These help to understand the interconnected nature of medical knowledge that persists into the pre-modern and modern worlds. Using a range of literary and archaeology evidence, the course aims to explain the scientific and cultural origins of the Western medical tradition.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the origins, nature and evolution of rational medicine from Hippocrates (fifth c. BC) up to the early modern age
- Develop a critical understanding of the key historical questions, interpretations and scholarship concerning the evidence for the history of ancient medicine and its influence
- Offer a clear, literate and logical exposition of ideas in independently researched written work, based on suitable primary and secondary sources, reflected in appropriate referencing
- Explore, articulate and debate their views in small-group discussions
- Relate the development of ancient Greek medicine across the ages to the social, cultural and ethical circumstances of early modern and modern times
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