RELN 212

I. Course Title: Historical Perspectives on Healthcare and Religion (GE)

II. Course Number: RELN 212

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

Intimately intertwined for much of human history, this course surveys the intersections of world religions and healthcare from ancient periods through the early modern period. This course examines religious perspectives on health and healing in a number of historical religious traditions, including, but not limited to, the religions of the ancient Near East, early Hinduism and Buddhism, to ancient Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Additionally, this course examines how these historical approaches to healthcare and medicine continue to impact healthcare practice today.  

Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

This course surveys the relationship between health, healthcare, and religion in several ancient and pre-modern religious traditions. Religions examined include, but are not limited to, the religions of the ancient Near East (Mesopotamia, Persia, Israel, Egypt); ancient Hinduism and Buddhism; Greco-Roman religions; early Judaism, Christianity, Islam; and Mesoamerican religious traditions (Aztec and Inca). Additionally, this class applies and analyzes how the approaches examined above impact the modern relationship between healthcare and religion.

Topics of study may include (but are not limited to):

1. The relationship between healthcare and religion
2. Purity/impurity
3. Illness as infliction from divine beings
4. Exorcism and magic as disease remedies
5. Miracles
6. Witchcraft
7. Ayurveda
8. Healing rituals
9. Death and dying rituals
10. Interdictions of contact
11. Shamanism
12. Theodicy

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

This course will include careful examination of primary and secondary sources related to the history of healthcare and religion. Additionally, students will apply the information learned in this class to professional settings. Among the learning activities students can expect, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Lecture and discussion led by the instructor
2. Small group discussion
3. Individual and group oral presentations
4. Informal and formal writing assignments
5. Individual and collaborative research activities involving library and Internet searches
6. Written and oral analysis of cases and/or texts
7. Written summaries/evaluations of out-of-class events
8. Field trips
9. Interviews with working professionals

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

1. Students will identify various historical approaches to studying healthcare and religion.
2. Students will explain the complementary and contradictory relationship between ancient healthcare and religions.
3. Students will recognize various religious explanations and techniques for addressing body ailments, healing, and death.
4. Students apply and consider how the historical relationship between healthcare and religion continues to influence healthcare professions today.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

A variety of assessment tools will be used. These may include quizzes/exams, writing assignments, presentations, and research papers, among others.

Review and Approval

August 2020

March 01, 2021