Learning Outcomes:
Following completion of this module students should have:
• Knowledge on cultural beliefs concerning health and illness in Medieval Europe
• Knowledge on the various medical options available to sick individuals and their response to illness
• Understanding of the role Christianity played in shaping the perception of illness and the care provided to individuals through the use of accounts of miraculous healing
• Understanding of the role communities and social networks played in responses to illness
• Experience working with primary and secondary sources
• Development of writing, research and presentation skills
Indicative Module Content:
This module will address such topics as:
• Humoral Theory of Medicine
• Christian beliefs concerning health and illness
• The Patient’s View and studying history ‘from below’
• The Cult of Saints and Miraculous Healing
• Medical Systems in Anglo-Saxon England and Early Medieval Ireland
• Views and beliefs concerning individual illnesses such as madness and disabilities
• Women’s health