Last update: Conan Turlough Doyle, M.A., Ph.D. (01.09.2022)
The course will introduce methods and topics for the study of pre modern Western medicine, that is medicine
practiced primarily in Western Europe from the time of the Roman Empire to the establishment of prestigious
medical faculties at Universities throughout Europe. The history of medicine is not just the history of great doctors,
but is also the history of the diseases that every human suffered, from deadly pandemics such as the Black Death
to the natural processes of birth, aging and death.
Weekly primary source readings will be taken from the book: Winston Black, 'Medicine and Healing in the Premodern West: A History in Documents' (Ontario, 2020)
I will also recommend reading selected chapters of Seb Falk, 'The Light Ages: A Medieval Journey of Discovery' (Allan Lane, 2020)
Additional readings will be uploaded via SIS.
Both of these books will be available in the Faculty Library. Please be considerate when borrowing.
Last update: Bc. Veronika Kučabová (03.06.2022)
The course will introduce methods and topics for the study of pre modern Western medicine, that is medicine
practiced primarily in Western Europe from the time of the Roman Empire to the establishment of prestigious
medical faculties at Universities throughout Europe. The history of medicine is not just the history of great doctors,
but is also the history of the diseases that every human suffered, from deadly pandemics such as the Black Death
to the natural processes of birth, aging and death.
3. Foods for Body and Soul: Regimen and Diet in medical theory and practice.
4. Women’s medicine and women medics: Trota of Salerno and Hildegard of Bingen
5. Monastic Medicine
6. Medicine, Ethnicity and Gender: The Use and Abuse of Philosophy.
7. Towns, Guilds, Universities: the myth of the ‘medieval’ witch trial
8. Leprosy
9. Hospitals and Crusaders
10. Reformation, Dissolution and the Myth of the Medieval
11. Student presentations
12. Student presentations
Last update: Conan Turlough Doyle, M.A., Ph.D. (01.09.2022)
1. Introduction: Methods, Terms, Sources, Humoral Theory. 2. Medicine, Magic and Religion. 3. Foods for Body and Soul: Regimen and Diet in medical theory and practice. 4. Women’s medicine and women medics: Trota of Salerno and Hildegard of Bingen 5. Monastic Medicine 6. Medicine, Ethnicity and Gender: The Use and Abuse of Philosophy. 7. Towns, Guilds, Universities: the myth of the ‘medieval’ witch trial 8. Leprosy 9. Hospitals and Crusaders 10. Reformation, Dissolution and the Myth of the Medieval 11. Student presentations* (There are only 11 teaching weeks for this course in Winter 2022/23)
Course completion requirements -
Last update: Conan Turlough Doyle, M.A., Ph.D. (01.09.2022)
Students will be expected to read one short paper or extract of a translated primary source every week, to be discussed in class. Due to the schedule of Dean's Days and Rektor's days, this course is shorter than intended. Course credit will be awarded for completion of a mid term assignment and an extended essay which conforms to either the APA style sheet or the MHRA style sheet. Both style sheets will be made available on SIS.
Last update: Bc. Veronika Kučabová (03.06.2022)
Students will be expected to read one short paper or extract of a translated primary source every week, to be discussed in class. The class be assessed on the basis of an oral presentation in the last two teaching weeks of term, and an extended essay due at the end of the teaching term. Marks will also be awarded for class participation
Required reading will be uploaded to the SIS, while additional materials will be indicated in a short bibliography of relevant scholarship intended to guide your reading for the extended essay.
