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Y. Tzvi Langermann
This mini-course is a general introduction to both to medieval medicine and to the value of using manuscripts. Professor Y. Tzvi Langermann presents a case study that builds from a unique 15th-century volume in which three important medical manuscripts in Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic (Arabic in Hebrew characters) are sewn together. He will not only walk the student through the basics of medical knowledge training and practice in the Jewish Middle Ages and beyond, but he will also show how clues gleaned from the particular elements of a manuscript (such as marginal notes, mistakes, and handwriting) allow us to learn a great deal that we could not have gleaned from a pristine printed version. The course is made up of eight short video lectures (5-7 minutes each) that explore the fascinating highlights of an extraordinary manuscript.
Read more
This mini-course is a general introduction to both to medieval medicine and to the value of using manuscripts. Professor Y. Tzvi Langermann presents a case study that builds from a unique 15th-century volume in which three important medical manuscripts in Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic (Arabic in Hebrew characters) are sewn together. He will not only walk the student through the basics of medical knowledge training and practice in the Jewish Middle Ages and beyond, but he will also show how clues gleaned from the particular elements of a manuscript (such as marginal notes, mistakes, and handwriting) allow us to learn a great deal that we could not have gleaned from a pristine printed version. The course is made up of eight short video lectures (5-7 minutes each) that explore the fascinating highlights of an extraordinary manuscript.
Read more
This mini-course is a general introduction to both to medieval medicine and to the value of using manuscripts. Professor Y. Tzvi Langermann presents a case study that builds from a unique 15th-century volume in which three important medical manuscripts in Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic (Arabic in Hebrew characters) are sewn together. He will not only walk the student through the basics of medical knowledge training and practice in the Jewish Middle Ages and beyond, but he will also show how clues gleaned from the particular elements of a manuscript (such as marginal notes, mistakes, and handwriting) allow us to learn a great deal that we could not have gleaned from a pristine printed version. The course is made up of eight short video lectures (5-7 minutes each) that explore the fascinating highlights of an extraordinary manuscript.
While no previous knowledge is required, this course will be of most interest to advanced students of Jewish and medieval medicine studies in that it introduces a rare and fascinating medical text from the University of Pennsylvania’s manuscript collections.
What you'll learn
- What manuscripts can teach us that other printed works cannot
- The basics of three important medical texts
- Sa’ īd b. Hibat Allāh, al-Mughnī fī Tadbīr al- Amrāḍ (All You Need to Manage Diseases)
- Abū ‘Alī Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna), al-Adwiya al- Qalbiyya (On Cardiac Drugs)
- Alī b. al-’Abbās al-Majūsī, al-Kāmil fī Ṣinā’at al- Ṭibb (The Complete Art of Medicine)
- Some basic premise of medieval Jewish medical training and thought
- What paratexts are and how to read them
- Cues to lexicography and philology
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/2h0ver/the
What's inside
Learning objectives
- What manuscripts can teach us that other printed works cannot
- The basics of three important medical texts
- Sa’ īd b. hibat allāh, al-mughnī fī tadbīr al- amrāḍ (all you need to manage diseases)
- Abū ‘alī ibn sīnā (avicenna), al-adwiya al- qalbiyya (on cardiac drugs)
- Alī b. al-’abbās al-majūsī, al-kāmil fī ṣinā’at al- ṭibb (the complete art of medicine)
- Some basic premise of medieval jewish medical training and thought
- What paratexts are and how to read them
- Cues to lexicography and philology
- What manuscripts can teach us that other printed works cannot
- The basics of three important medical texts
- Sa’ īd b. hibat allāh, al-mughnī fī tadbīr al- amrāḍ (all you need to manage diseases)
- Abū ‘alī ibn sīnā (avicenna), al-adwiya al- qalbiyya (on cardiac drugs)
- Alī b. al-’abbās al-majūsī, al-kāmil fī ṣinā’at al- ṭibb (the complete art of medicine)
- Some basic premise of medieval jewish medical training and thought
- What paratexts are and how to read them
- Cues to lexicography and philology
Syllabus
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches how to analyze manuscripts for historical and medical research
Explores the intersection of medicine and philology
Introduces proven techniques for analyzing medieval medical manuscripts
Develops critical thinking skills for evaluating historical sources
Course instructor, Y. Tzvi Langermann, is recognized for his work in the field
Provides historical context for the development of medieval medicine
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Reviews summary
Medieval medicine through jewish manuscripts review
According to learners, this course offers a highly unique and fascinating deep dive into the history of medieval medicine, specifically through the lens of Jewish manuscripts. Students particularly appreciate the expert instruction provided by Professor Langermann, finding his knowledge and passion for the subject evident. While the topic is niche, those with an interest in medieval or Jewish studies find the content rich and insightful, especially the focus on paratexts and what manuscripts reveal beyond printed texts. Some learners note the course material can be dense at times and may be best suited for those with some prior background, suggesting it serves more as a specialized exploration than a broad introduction for complete beginners.
Teaches how to learn from manuscript details.
"Found the content fascinating, especially the paratexts."
"Understanding what manuscripts can teach us that print cannot was a highlight."
"The case study approach using the specific manuscript was very effective in showing how to read paratexts."
Professor is highly knowledgeable and passionate.
"Prof Langermann is knowledgeable. Short lectures but packed with info."
"The professor is clearly an expert and conveys the material with great clarity."
"It's clear the instructor has a deep understanding and passion for this specific field."
Covers a specialized and fascinating historical area.
"This course is absolutely fascinating and covers a topic I haven't seen anywhere else."
"Loved learning about medieval medicine through actual manuscripts. Unique perspective."
"The subject matter is incredibly niche and interesting, a real gem for history enthusiasts."
Information is packed tightly into short lectures.
"A bit dense at times but rewarding."
"The lectures are very short, but contain a lot of complex information."
"Found it challenging to absorb everything in the limited time of the videos."
Best for those with prior medieval/Jewish study.
"Interesting topic, but the Judeo-Arabic/Hebrew focus might be tough for newcomers without background."
"Definitely for those serious about the subject, not a general intro."
"While advertised as intro, prior knowledge in medieval studies or history is helpful."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The History of Medieval Medicine Through Jewish Manuscripts with these
activities:
Review 'Islamic Medicine: 1000 years of medical practice'
Show steps
This book provides a historical context and overview of Islamic medicine, which is essential for understanding the development of medical knowledge during the medieval period.
View
Introduction to Medieval Europe 300–1500: Third...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the introduction and first three chapters of the book.
-
Take notes on the key concepts and historical figures.
Review Hebrew language basics
Show steps
Reviewing Hebrew language basics will help you understand the texts we'll be reading in this course.
Show steps
-
Review basic Hebrew grammar concepts, such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
-
Practice reading and translating simple Hebrew sentences.
Compile course materials
Show steps
Compile lecture materials, review assignments, and prepare your study space prior to the commencement of the course.
Show steps
-
Acquire a notebook or dedicated folder for course materials.
-
Attend the first lecture and take detailed notes.
-
Organize notes and materials chronologically.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Practice deciphering medieval medical terminology
Show steps
The manuscripts studied in this course contain many technical terms and unfamiliar scripts. Regular practice in deciphering these terms will improve your ability to analyze the primary sources effectively.
Browse courses on
Paleography
Show steps
-
Obtain a glossary of medieval medical terms.
-
Select a few passages from the course materials.
-
Practice reading and interpreting the terms, referring to the glossary when necessary.
Create a presentation on the history of medieval medicine
Show steps
Creating a presentation on the history of medieval medicine will help you organize your knowledge of the subject and improve your presentation skills.
Browse courses on
Medieval Medicine
Show steps
-
Research the history of medieval medicine.
-
Create a PowerPoint presentation or other visual aid.
-
Practice your presentation.
Identify medical terminology in Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic
Show steps
Practicing identifying medical terminology in Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic will help you develop the skills necessary to read and understand the medical texts we'll be studying.
Browse courses on
Medical Terminology
Show steps
-
Create a list of common medical terms in Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic.
-
Practice identifying these terms in the texts we'll be reading.
Create a glossary of unfamiliar terms
Show steps
As you encounter unfamiliar medical terms throughout the course, compile a personal glossary to aid in your understanding and retention of the material.
Browse courses on
Medical Terminology
Show steps
-
Obtain a notebook or digital document.
-
Record each unfamiliar term along with its definition, as understood from the context.
-
Categorize the terms into relevant sections, such as anatomy, diagnosis, or treatment.
Discuss the medical texts with classmates
Show steps
Discussing the medical texts with classmates will help you understand the material more deeply and see it from different perspectives.
Show steps
-
Meet with a group of classmates to discuss the medical texts.
-
Share your insights and interpretations of the texts.
-
Listen to the insights and interpretations of your classmates.
Attend a peer study group
Show steps
Engage with fellow students in a study group to discuss the course material, clarify concepts, and reinforce your understanding through peer-to-peer learning.
Show steps
-
Reach out to classmates or join an existing study group.
-
Establish regular meeting times and allocate responsibilities for preparing discussion topics.
-
Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and contribute your insights.
Read "The Canon of Medicine" by Avicenna
Show steps
Reading "The Canon of Medicine" will give you a deeper understanding of the medical knowledge that was available in the Middle Ages.
View
Avicenna, ›The Healing, Logic: Isagoge‹: A New...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the introduction to the book.
-
Read the sections on anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
-
Read the sections on the treatment of specific diseases.
Create a digital timeline of medical discoveries
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive digital timeline that traces the evolution of medical knowledge and discoveries, including key milestones discussed in the course.
Show steps
-
Research and gather information on important medical discoveries and advancements.
-
Use a digital tool to create a visually appealing and interactive timeline.
-
Include relevant images, videos, and primary source excerpts to illustrate each discovery.
-
Share your timeline with the class or a wider audience for feedback and discussion.
Participate in a medical history hackathon
Show steps
Participating in a medical history hackathon will challenge you to apply your knowledge of medieval medicine to solve real-world problems.
Show steps
-
Find a medical history hackathon to participate in.
-
Form a team and develop a project idea.
-
Work on your project and present it to the judges.
Contribute to an open-source medical history project
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source medical history project will allow you to share your knowledge of medieval medicine with others and help advance the field.
Show steps
-
Find an open-source medical history project to contribute to.
-
Contact the project maintainers and offer your help.
-
Work on the project and submit your contributions.
Review 'Islamic Medicine: 1000 years of medical practice'
Show steps
This book provides a historical context and overview of Islamic medicine, which is essential for understanding the development of medical knowledge during the medieval period.
View
Introduction to Medieval Europe 300–1500: Third...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introduction and first three chapters of the book.
- Take notes on the key concepts and historical figures.
Review Hebrew language basics
Show steps
Reviewing Hebrew language basics will help you understand the texts we'll be reading in this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic Hebrew grammar concepts, such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
- Practice reading and translating simple Hebrew sentences.
Compile course materials
Show steps
Compile lecture materials, review assignments, and prepare your study space prior to the commencement of the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Acquire a notebook or dedicated folder for course materials.
- Attend the first lecture and take detailed notes.
- Organize notes and materials chronologically.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Practice deciphering medieval medical terminology
Show steps
The manuscripts studied in this course contain many technical terms and unfamiliar scripts. Regular practice in deciphering these terms will improve your ability to analyze the primary sources effectively.
Browse courses on
Paleography
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a glossary of medieval medical terms.
- Select a few passages from the course materials.
- Practice reading and interpreting the terms, referring to the glossary when necessary.
Create a presentation on the history of medieval medicine
Show steps
Creating a presentation on the history of medieval medicine will help you organize your knowledge of the subject and improve your presentation skills.
Browse courses on
Medieval Medicine
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the history of medieval medicine.
- Create a PowerPoint presentation or other visual aid.
- Practice your presentation.
Identify medical terminology in Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic
Show steps
Practicing identifying medical terminology in Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic will help you develop the skills necessary to read and understand the medical texts we'll be studying.
Browse courses on
Medical Terminology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a list of common medical terms in Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic.
- Practice identifying these terms in the texts we'll be reading.
Create a glossary of unfamiliar terms
Show steps
As you encounter unfamiliar medical terms throughout the course, compile a personal glossary to aid in your understanding and retention of the material.
Browse courses on
Medical Terminology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a notebook or digital document.
- Record each unfamiliar term along with its definition, as understood from the context.
- Categorize the terms into relevant sections, such as anatomy, diagnosis, or treatment.
Discuss the medical texts with classmates
Show steps
Discussing the medical texts with classmates will help you understand the material more deeply and see it from different perspectives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Meet with a group of classmates to discuss the medical texts.
- Share your insights and interpretations of the texts.
- Listen to the insights and interpretations of your classmates.
Attend a peer study group
Show steps
Engage with fellow students in a study group to discuss the course material, clarify concepts, and reinforce your understanding through peer-to-peer learning.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Reach out to classmates or join an existing study group.
- Establish regular meeting times and allocate responsibilities for preparing discussion topics.
- Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and contribute your insights.
Read "The Canon of Medicine" by Avicenna
Show steps
Reading "The Canon of Medicine" will give you a deeper understanding of the medical knowledge that was available in the Middle Ages.
View
Avicenna, ›The Healing, Logic: Isagoge‹: A New...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introduction to the book.
- Read the sections on anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
- Read the sections on the treatment of specific diseases.
Create a digital timeline of medical discoveries
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive digital timeline that traces the evolution of medical knowledge and discoveries, including key milestones discussed in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and gather information on important medical discoveries and advancements.
- Use a digital tool to create a visually appealing and interactive timeline.
- Include relevant images, videos, and primary source excerpts to illustrate each discovery.
- Share your timeline with the class or a wider audience for feedback and discussion.
Participate in a medical history hackathon
Show steps
Participating in a medical history hackathon will challenge you to apply your knowledge of medieval medicine to solve real-world problems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a medical history hackathon to participate in.
- Form a team and develop a project idea.
- Work on your project and present it to the judges.
Contribute to an open-source medical history project
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source medical history project will allow you to share your knowledge of medieval medicine with others and help advance the field.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open-source medical history project to contribute to.
- Contact the project maintainers and offer your help.
- Work on the project and submit your contributions.
Career center
Learners who complete The History of Medieval Medicine Through Jewish Manuscripts will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Researcher
Researcher
A Researcher conducts research and analyzes data. This course can provide you with a foundation in the history of medicine and the use of manuscripts as historical evidence. This knowledge can be helpful in your research.
Medical Historian
Medical Historian
A Medical Historian researches and writes about the history of medicine. This course can provide you with a foundation in the history of medieval medicine and the use of manuscripts as historical evidence. This knowledge can be helpful in your research and writing.
Historian
Historian
A Historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and writes about the past. This course can provide you with a foundation in the history of medicine and the use of manuscripts as historical evidence. This knowledge can be helpful in your research and writing.
Archivist
Archivist
An Archivist is responsible for preserving and managing historical records. This course can help you understand the history and significance of medical manuscripts and how to properly care for them and make them accessible to researchers. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as an archivist.
Museum curator
Museum curator
A Museum Curator is responsible for planning and managing exhibitions, as well as researching and preserving artifacts. This course can help you understand the history and significance of medical artifacts and how to properly care for them. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a museum curator.
Professor
Professor
A Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. This course can provide you with a foundation in the history of medicine and the use of manuscripts as historical evidence. This knowledge can be helpful in your teaching and research.
Librarian
Librarian
A Librarian is responsible for managing and providing access to information and resources. This course can help you understand the history and significance of medical manuscripts and how to properly care for them and make them accessible to researchers. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a librarian.
Medical Librarian
Medical Librarian
A Medical Librarian assists patrons with finding and using medical information. This course can provide you with a foundation in the history of medicine and the use of manuscripts as historical evidence. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a medical librarian.
Medical Writer
Medical Writer
A Medical Writer writes and edits medical content, such as articles, reports, and marketing materials. This course can provide you with a foundation in the history of medicine and the use of manuscripts as historical evidence. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a medical writer.
Doctor
Doctor
A Doctor provides medical care to patients. This course may be helpful if you are interested in learning more about the history of medicine and the use of manuscripts as historical evidence. This knowledge can help you better understand the medical field and the treatments available to patients.
Nurse
Nurse
A Nurse provides care to patients under the direction of a doctor. This course may be helpful if you are interested in learning more about the history of medicine and the use of manuscripts as historical evidence. This knowledge can help you better understand the medical field and the treatments available to patients.
Medical Records Technician
Medical Records Technician
A Medical Records Technician manages and maintains medical records. This course may be helpful if you are interested in learning more about the history of medicine and the use of manuscripts as historical evidence. This knowledge can help you better understand the medical field and the importance of accurate medical records.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
A Pharmacist dispenses medications to patients, provides information about their medications, and answers questions about drug interactions and side effects. This course can help you understand the history and evolution of medicine, which can be helpful in understanding the medications you dispense and how they work in the body.
Journalist
Journalist
A Journalist researches, writes, and reports on current events. This course may be helpful if you want to specialize in writing about health and medicine. It can provide you with a foundation in the history of medicine and help you understand the current state of healthcare.
Teacher
Teacher
A Teacher develops and implements lesson plans, teaches, and assesses students. This course can provide you with a foundation in the history of medicine which can be helpful for teaching health and science classes.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2h0ver/the
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The History of Medieval Medicine Through Jewish Manuscripts.
This sourcebook presents a comprehensive collection of primary sources on medieval Jewish medicine, translated into English. It offers valuable insights into the medical theories, practices, and beliefs within the Jewish community during the Middle Ages and would form an excellent companion to this course.
This 10th-century medical encyclopedia covers various aspects of medicine, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment. It provides a comprehensive overview of medical knowledge during the Middle Ages and would be a valuable reference for understanding the historical context of the course material.
Provides a comprehensive study of Avicenna's medical thought and practices. It offers insights into his theories on anatomy, physiology, pathology, and treatment, and would be a valuable resource for understanding the intellectual context of the course material.
Save
Provides a detailed study of the medieval Hebrew medical tradition, from its origins in the Talmudic period to its decline in the 17th century. It discusses the major medical texts, authors, and institutions of the period and would be a valuable resource for understanding the broader context of medieval Jewish medicine.
This comprehensive history of medicine provides a broad overview of the development of medical knowledge and practices from ancient times to the present day. It includes chapters on medieval medicine, which would provide valuable context for the course material.
This comprehensive handbook provides a broad overview of the history of medicine, from ancient times to the present day. It includes chapters on medieval medicine, which would provide valuable context for the course material.
Provides a detailed study of the role of physicians in medieval Islamic society. It discusses the education, training, and practices of physicians, as well as their social and legal status. It would be a valuable resource for understanding the professional context of medieval Jewish physicians.
Explores the origins and development of Arabic medicine in the early Islamic period. It discusses the influence of Greek, Persian, and Indian medical traditions on the formation of Arabic medicine and would provide valuable background on the intellectual foundations of medieval Jewish medicine.
Save
This article from the Jewish Encyclopedia provides a concise overview of the history of medicine in the Jewish tradition. It discusses the contributions of Jewish physicians to medical knowledge and practices, as well as the ethical and religious dimensions of Jewish medicine. It would be a useful reference for understanding the broader context of the course material.
Provides a comprehensive overview of medieval Jewish thought, including its philosophical, religious, and scientific aspects. It offers insights into the intellectual context of medieval Jewish medicine and would be a valuable resource for understanding the broader intellectual currents of the period.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2h0ver/the
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Rating
5.0
Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Y. Tzvi Langermann
Language
English
Transcript
English
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