HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES, AND TOES: A HISTORY OF THE MODERN BODY (1800-1950)

This course explores the changing conceptualization of the body. The course considers that the body and its behavior are dependent on several factors including time, palace, identity, society, and culture. This course examines the modern body through aspects such as race, gender, sexuality, criminality, health, and disease. Students examine issues and concepts surrounding the cultural and social constructions of the body. The course examines the historical relationship between the changing nature of what is normal and abnormal, which provides context for debates surrounding how the body is conceptualized and understood across a wide historical period.