This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This course will explore how contemporary medical ideas, technologies and health practices have been shaped by the past. It also examines how developments in these areas from the recent past will shape the medical ideas and technologies and health practices of the future. Central themes include the changing nature of medical care in a range of contexts, implications for health, and the patient experience. Topics may include: medicine, health and demography; medical technology; medical museums; medicine and the body; places and spaces for medicine; military medicine; human experimentation and medical ethics; and healthcare in the future. The module makes use of a wide range of primary source material, including textbooks, media, newspapers, objects, ephemera and patient records.
This module will be taught by 11 two-hour seminar sessions throughout the term. Each session will comprise a mixture of lectures, discussion of primary source material and debates on secondary reading.
During Week 2, students will have the option to visit the Wellcome Library and Archives.
The module will be assessed by 100% coursework, comprising:
- 1 independent research essay demanding close engagement with both primary and secondary sources (3,000 words, 40%)
- 1 blog on a topic in the course, which may be published on the blog of the Centre for the History of Medicine, Ethics and Medical Humanities (500 words, 10%).
- 1 seminar presentation, after which the student will be expected to lead the seminar discussion (the equivalent of 1,000 words, 20%).
- 1 Virtual Exhibition Design which will explore a theme of topic on the course, and combines images, analysis, and commentary. This may be published on the Centre for the History of Medicine, Ethics and Medical Humanities' blog (2,500-3,000 words equivalent, 30%).
V. Berridge (1999). Health and Society in Britain since 1939. Cambridge: CUP
D. Brunton (2004). Medicine Transformed: Health Disease and Society in Europe 1800-1930. Manchester: MUP
W.F. Bynum et al (2006). The Western Medical Tradition 1800-2000. Cambridge: CUP
R. Cooter and J. Pickstone (2001). Companion to Medicine in the Twentieth Century. London: Routledge
A. Hardy (2001). Health and Medicine in Britain since 1860. London: Palgrave Macmillan
F. Huisman and J. H. Warner (2006). Locating Medical History. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press
J. Lane (2001). A Social History of Medicine. London: Routledge
J. Le Fanu (1999). The Rise and Fall of Modern Medicine. London: Abacus
R. Porter (1997). The Greatest Benefit to Mankind. Waukegan, IL: Fontana Press
R. Porter (2003). Blood and Guts: A Short History of Medicine. London: Penguin
K. Waddington (2011). An Introduction to the Social History of Medicine. London: Palgrave Macmillan
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Develop an enhanced and sophisticated historiographical understanding of the history of medicine.
2. Critically analyse the historical approaches and historiography of medical history.
3. Understand medical history's relevance in cultural, social, political, environmental, and economic contexts.
4. Demonstrate an enhanced and sophisticated understanding of relevant theoretical and practical tools for exploring medical history.
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The intended generic learning outcomes
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Critically analyse a diverse range of primary source materials.
2. Construct critically nuanced coursework in an independent manner.
3. Undertake independent research and learning.
4. Demonstrate the ability to consider complex issues from a range of perspectives.
5. Present in a clear and confident manner, demonstrating oral communication skills.
6. Present research in an accessible manner to a public audience.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
