Health, Mind and Body (HIST*4200)

Code and section: HIST*4200*01

Term: Fall 2026

Details

Course Synopsis:

This course examines the history of medical efforts to understand the relations between mind, brain, and body, from the late nineteenth century to the present. Focusing primarily on the American context, we will examine the social and institutional dimensions of attempts to both understand and treat individuals suffering from mental illness as well as efforts to morally regulate minds and bodies. We will approach our subject from the perspective of several historical actors, including scientists, clinicians, patients, and critics. Wherever possible, we will pay attention to the effects of social and cultural contexts on how individual minds and brains have been constructed, explained, and treated. Topics will include asylum culture, patient history, race, women, hysteria, World War I and shell shock, eugenics, sexuality, psychoanalysis, pharmacology, mad studies, and deinstitutionalization. 

The course’s format is two 80-minute weekly seminars:  you will be expected to participate regularly in these discussions.

Methods of Evaluation and Weights: 

• Seminar Presentations (2 x 10% each) - 20% 
• Research Proposal and Annotated Bibliography - 15% 
• Research Presentation - 10% 
• Peer Review - 5% 
• Research Essay - 30% 
• Seminar Participation - 20% 

Required Readings: 

A set of online readings available through Ares.

*Please note: This is a preliminary web course description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.

**Please login to WebAdvisor, once the course schedule goes live, for instructor and room information.