The medieval quest for cures

We examine the complaints from which people suffered from late antiquity to the Middle Ages. Investigate how cures were obtained through diet, bloodletting, purgation, medicine and prayer, according to the teachings of Galen and other authorities. Sometimes treatments worked.

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Key course information

Date
26/05/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HH117

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Still got questions?

humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

This is a course about medicine in the late antique and medieval period of European and Mediterranean history. We explore the way in which physicians, healers and priests sought to cure the sick and suffering at home, in hospitals and at shrines. Both primary and secondary sources are utilised, including archaeological evidence, as well as to discuss differing interpretations of historical evidence.

What topics will we cover?

We home in on the life and works of Galen to provide background to our studies. We review the Christian understanding of sickness, the influence of the Arabs, the place and practice of medicine in the Byzantine Empire, the development of medicine in the universities of Europe, responses to the Black Death and the surgeon’s craft in later medieval England.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

explain why Galen was of such great importance in medicine until the early modern period;
identify and describe differences between medieval and modern philosophies of medicine;
describe how medieval healers and physicians tried to cure their patients;
evaluate the sources available for understanding medieval medicine.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an `introductory` course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind is more important than specific levels of skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The sessions during the day involve the tutor leading in with a prepared talk. These are illustrated with slides. There is ample opportunity for discussion and questions. As the course progresses you may wish to play a greater part in learning by presenting an aspect of our course to the group or by taking part in discussion. The course is accompanied by a prepared handout providing selected sources, discussion questions and additional bibliography.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring pen and paper.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There are a range of courses available at the City Lit which explore other aspects of Medieval history, Art and Culture.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.