The Latin and Greek Origins of Medicine

Catalog description

An introduction to the scientific and medical vocabulary derived from ancient Greek and Latin as well as the historical and cultural legacy of our key sources on Ancient Medicine in the Greek and Roman world. This course is language-based, where students study the Greek and Latin word elements (words, roots and forms) from which medical and scientific vocabularies are created. Through this study of language, students will gain a greater understanding of our medical terms and concepts. Students will learn many medical terms as well as etymological techniques they can use to interpret and understand other medical words. In addition to the language study, students will read excerpts from works on ancient medicine from sources such as the Hippocratic authors, Galen, and Celsus. A previous knowledge of Greek or Latin is not required for this course.