Madness and society

HSTM30832 (10-credit); HSTM40332 (20-credit)

Semester Two, Tuesdays, 11.00-12.00, plus seminars to be arranged

Aims

To explore a selection of topics in the social, cultural, intellectual, and institutional history of psychiatry in Britain from 1800 to the present. Students will become familiar with the main ideas, figures, and events in the history of views about the nature and management of madness, and the changing social meanings and context of mental illness. And they will develop an understanding of the history of psychological medicine as a case study in the interaction of science, society, and culture.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able

to show an appreciation of historical approaches to medicine
to demonstrate a knowledge of the chronology of changes in the understanding and management of mental illness since 1800
to have a critical appreciation of the debates surrounding the reasons for particular policies and treatments for mental illness
to take part in informed discussions on these topics and issues
to reflect critically on the changing role of psychiatry and cultural meanings of madness

Lecture Content

Introduction and ‘The Age of Unreason’
Reforming the Mad Trade
The Great Confinement
Theories of Insanity: Phrenology to Degeneration
Insanity, Crime and Responsibility
The Madwoman and her doctors
Sigmund Freud and the ‘birth’ of psychoanalysis
Shell Shock, Psychiatry and War
Treating Madness: ‘A Therapeutic Revolution’?
The Closure of Mental Hospitals
From Anti-Psychotic to Life Style Drugs

Assessment

10 credit unit (HSTM30832) - Essay (30%) and examination (70%)

20 credit unit (HSTM40332) - Short essay (15%); examination (35%); long essay/project (50%)

Feedback: students may ask questions at any time during lectures and seminars. Teaching staff can usually answer specific queries by email or during office hours, and will provide contact details in the course handbook or at lectures. All submitted coursework will be returned with annotations and an assessment sheet explaining the mark awarded. In addition, students on the 20-credit version may receive comments through individual supervision meetings.

Prerequisites

None.