Ancient Medicine
3.0
creditsAverage Course Rating
A study of medicine in the ancient Near Eastern and Aegean worlds, including an examination of the practices of medicine in these ancient societies but with primary emphasis given to ideas about health and disease. Readings are selected from primary sources in the writings of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel, Greece, and Rome. Topics treated include the sources of our knowledge; the nature of medical practitioners, medical treatment, and surgery; beliefs about disease and the etiology of illness; concepts of contagion and ritual purity. Special attention is given to Hippocratic medicine, the synthesis of Galen, and the rise of humoralism.
Fall 2013
Professor: Ancient Medicine
Students thought that the best aspects of this course included the interesting subject matter and the very light workload. However, many felt that the lectures were dul , lengthy, and repetitive. Students suggested the professor break up the lectures with visual aids and handouts with information, and that he spent some of the time engaging the class with interactive discussions. Students also thought that more in-class exercises or homework assignments would have been beneficial to help them learn the material. Prospective students should be able to take notes and study effectively to do well in this course.