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.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
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)
Indicative Assessment
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)
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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Workload
3 hours per week of lectures and seminars, with weekly readings and online contact (total of ten hours per week)
Prescribed Texts
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
Assumed Knowledge
There is no assumed knowledge or skills, other than general academic ability to critically analyse texts and prepare and present reasoned arguments.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $3570 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5460 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.