History of Chinese Medicine

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the history of medicine through the study of medical practices and beliefs in China. Paying close attention to socio-historical context, we will explore how those beliefs formed, how the practices have changed over time, and in particular how the introduction of Western medicine and then scientific biomedicine forced fundamental changes in Chinese medicine over the course of the twentieth century. This course also introduces students to the discipline of History, and students will work in close consultation with the professor to produce a unique research paper. History majors should take a Gateway Seminar first, but there are no official prerequisites.