Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: STITCHES IN TIME: A HISTORY OF SURGERY (BAKER)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Ever wonder what’s going on inside your body? Early surgeons did too, and they often employed gruesome, barbaric methods to find out! What started out as a horrific and grizzly practice of drilling holes in skulls to supposedly free demons and spirits has transformed into the respected field of robots and laparoscopic techniques that we know and love today! Through a critical exploration of primary historical documents and artifacts, this course investigates the past, present, and future of surgery. Students will delve into the controversial heroes and villains of surgery from 6500 BC to today, considering how experimentation and acceptable practices have evolved in light of changing social climates and advanced instruments. By the end of this course, students will be able to answer the question How have early surgical thinkers, hallmark surgeries, and surgical innovations transformed modern medicine and values? No coursework will be assigned outside of class. Students are expected to participate in active learning activities during class including debates, historical simulations, and hands-on projects. Students will walk away from this course with a profound new perspective on the rich history of surgical innovation to alleviate the suffering of humanity.