Scholarly Concentration
The Johns Hopkins Institute of the History of Medicine

          Faculty Web Pages            Research Projects            Course Schedule           

HISTORY OF MEDICINE

     History is a tool for investigating the ways in which culture, politics, social forces, and institutions shape medical beliefs and practices, as well as patterns of sickness and health. The history of medicine faculty work on a diverse array of topics, including: the histories of early modern medicine; medical genetics and 20^th century biomedicine; colonial medicine and international health; drug testing and regulation; Russian science; Chinese Medicine; and public health in Baltimore.  This concentration will provide students with an introduction to the field and an opportunity to develop skills in evaluating evidence from the past and present in medicine and medical science, in a broadly comparative and historical context. With a faculty mentor, students will also develop an historical research project.

Overall Course Goals

1. Assess how and why ideas concerning the body, health, and disease have evolved over time.
2. Examine the role of scientific, cultural, social, and economic influences in shaping the production of health and medical knowledge.
3. Appreciate the need for lifelong learning.
4. Learn to critically use primary and secondary sources for constructing historical studies
5. Develop skills in critical thinking, research, writing, and communication.