Module details
- Offered to 1st years
- Tuesdays 16.00-18.00
- 8 weeks (spring term only)
- Planned delivery: On-campus (South Kensington)
- Non-credit only
We know that modern medicine relies upon experiment, but how much do we really know about what that experiment has entailed?
This module explores the place of the human body in a variety of investigations from the nineteenth century to the present. Looking at episodes such as the Tuskegee syphilis study and Cold War radiation experiments, you will consider how ideas about the place of the human body in medicine and science have developed in the modern era.
You will explore how factors such as race, class, and gender have determined whose bodies have been considered ‘acceptable’ subjects for experiment, the role of states and the military in medical research, and consider how past events might inform current medical practices.
Information blocks
"I found the content of this course very good indeed! It provided a great overview of the different aspects of medicine and the key developments that took place throughout the history and shaped the medical field to make it become what it is today"
"The assignment represented a good opportunity to do some more individual research on a particular topic which reinforced the information given by our lecturer. ... I liked the idea of giving us a pre-reading task, as it gave me an idea of the topic to be discussed next and hence allowed to understand the concepts better the next day during the session"
"Was really fascinating and well taught. Very enjoyable and interesting course."
"The module is a real surprise for me as our instructor Jennifer made the history of modern medicine fun and engaging. I would definitely recommend this module to others because of the wonderful instructor!"
"The lecturer was lively and humorous. Made Tuesday afternoons a joy to look forward to. It's a fascinating module."
"I really enjoyed horizons this term, the content was interesting. I hope that there is another History-based Horizons next year because I would definitely sign up."
Got any questions?
Contact the lecturer
Dr Jennifer Wallis
j.wallis@imperial.ac.uk