Cuts, Curses, and Cesareans: An Introduction to Ancient Medicine

Course Description

An introduction to the study of ancient medicine, with attention to broader competencies in the medical humanities and intellectual history. Primary texts from Egypt, the Near East, Greece, and Rome are discussed to track key medical developments, the relation between magic and medicine, and the role of healers in society.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Recognize key concepts, thinkers and texts in ancient medicine

  • Analyze and critique ancient sources (from various genres) and theoretical perspectives on medicine

  • Recognize, critique, and engage with different scholarly and popular perspectives on the role of medicine in society

  • Develop, write, and defend an original argument on a topic connected to ancient medicine

  • Find, interpret, and evaluate information on diverse global cultures

  • Use diverse cultural frames of reference and alternative perspectives to analyze issues

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

Attendance and Participation

10%

Research Assignments

50%

Midterm Exam

10%

Discussion Leader

10%

Final Paper

20%

Grading Scale:

Percentage

Letter Grade

100-93

A

92-90

A-

89-87

B+

86-83

B

82-80

B-

79-75

C+

76-73

C

72-70

C-

67-69

D+

63-66

D

62-60

D-

<60

F

Attendance/Participation:

You are required to attend every class, arriving on time and having prepared all the homework in advance. Volunteer answers, ask questions, and be a proactive member of our community.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

  • Helen King, Greek and Roman Medicine (Classical World Series: Bristol Classical Press), London 2001. ISBN: 978-1853995453

  • James Longrigg, Greek Medicine. From the Heroic to the Hellenistic Age. A Sourcebook, London 1998. ISBN: 978-1136782183

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.