BIOL 952A - The History of Medicine: Germs, Sex, and the Brain

FC NSMA CD QFR

4 credits
This course explores the history of medical practice through London. The course traces the development of scientific methods of understanding the body from antiquity to modernity, focusing on three areas: microbes and epidemics, mental health and madness, and sexuality and reproductive health. A primary focus will be the impact of medical knowledge on individuals and society. The course will focus on specific events - including the Plague of 1666, the cholera epidemic in the 19th century, and the discovery of penicillin - and make use of the unparalleled resources of the city, such as the British Museum and the Wellcome Trust. Taught in London Prior application and acceptance to the Oberlin-in-London Program required.

This course is cross-listed with CLAS-952A