HSY2920

Doctors and Patients: A Social History of Western Medicine (6 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: Michael Hau

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2003 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2004 (Day)

Synopsis: Unit will explore important issue in the social history of Western medicine from the 18th to the 20th century. Focusing on development in Europe and the United States, the unit will discuss trans-national themes in Western medicine, namely the rise and changing functions of hospitals, the historical development of the modern patient-physician relationship, the emergence of a hierarchy of medical professions (e.g. "doctors" and "nurses") and the transformation of medical practice through the application of modern technologies. Through interlocking narratives, it will provoke students to reflect on the social construction of medical knowledge about health, disease, degeneracy, race and gender.

Assessment: Source interpretation exercises (equivalent to 1,000 words): 20% + Class paper (1,500 words): 30% + Exam (2 hour): 40% + Class participation: 10%

Contact Hours: 1.5 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites: A First Year level sequence in History, or permission of the Head of School