91610 Medical Classics and the History of Chinese Medicine
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject explores the history of Chinese medicine and the classical texts within the Chinese medical canon. Through this subject students build upon their knowledge of the theories and principles contained in the classical literature and the relevance of these texts to contemporary clinical practice. This subject also examines the historical and geographical context in which these classic texts were written, how these texts fit within the wider body of Chinese medicine literature, and how this informs modern Chinese medicine practice.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply research skills to examine key features of the classical Chinese medicine literature and appraise them based on their historical context. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Understand, interpret and discuss the key principles and theories within the primary classical texts of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. |
| 3. | Critically appraise the relevance of classic Chinese medicine texts and their applications for contemporary clinical practice. |
| 4. | Discuss the classical texts of Chinese medicine within the context of the evidence based practice framework. |
| 5. | Effectively communicate the theories and principles contained in the Chinese medical classics with reference to their historical placement. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Apply: Demonstrate expertise in Chinese medicine’s classical and contemporary theories, research, and clinical health practices to support patient health and wellbeing. (1.1)
- Synthesise: Integrate information and data to inform health care delivery and monitor outcomes to support patients and the community. (1.3)
- Apply: Develop effective problem-focused assessment skills to differentiate diseases and patterns, and apply clinical reasoning to make diagnostic and therapeutic judgements. (2.1)
- Apply: Demonstrate the integration and application of professional health care knowledge and clinical skills to safely and ethically practise Chinese medicine. (3.1)
- Analyse: Investigate and evaluate clinical experience and research to reflect on and enhance your clinical practice. (4.2)
- Apply: Demonstrate a high level of writing, reading and speaking in English and an ability to engage constructively in conversation with health stakeholders, including community, other health disciplines, and policy makers. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1. Disciplinary knowledge
Through studying this subject you will examine various classics of Chinese medicine which form the textual foundation of Chinese medicine theory and practice. You will look at their historical context as well as the theories and principles contained in each text and learn to apply the knowledge gained from these texts within the context of evidence-based practice.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
The online activities in this subject require you to read, interpret and critically appraise the information contained in the primary and secondary sources, with particular focus on their relevance to modern practice. You will use the classical texts as a reference point for solving clinical problems within the evidence-based practice model.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
This subject builds upon your current knowledge of the Chinese medicine classical texts and develops your ability to interpret the information within these texts with a view to solving clinical problems. This subject will also help you contextualise the Chinese medicine classic texts in relation to both the historical and evidence based medicine contexts.
4. Reflection, innovation, creativity
Through this subject you will gain an insight and refelct upon the application of classical literature in contemporary practice. You will also develop an appreciation of how the practice of Chinese medicine developed over millennia and how this process of continuous development can assist in the practice of Chinese medicine today.
5. Communication
The essay assessment task in this subject require that you communicate the subject matter according to academic standards. Demonstrating an ability to critically evaluate texts of antiquity and apply them to modern practice.
Teaching and learning strategies
This is an online subject with CANVAS as the primary platform for learning. The subject will consist of course notes to guide students in their study but also facilitate reading and self learning in the subject. Additionally a variety of multimedia materials is also provided to support study, including some lecture recordings and Ted-talk style topical presentations. The subject is split into two modules Module A: history and philosophy of Chinese Medicine as well as Module B: the study of specific classics, their history, impact and relevance today. Whilst these modules are separate, they do interconnect through their specific cultural and historical junctions.
Feedback within this subject will come from a variety of forms. Topical quizzes which are low stakes individually, are embedded within the online learning and will provide students with immediate feedback regarding their learning as they progress through the material. Feedback will also be provided for their essay assessment. Discussion board will also allow for students to communicate with fellow students about concepts and material learnt, as well as receive and give feedback from peers and assessors.
Content (topics)
Module A of this subject covers the historical development of Chinese medicine from antiquity, when ancestor worship, ghosts and demons were central themes, through to modern times where science and biomedical equivalence dominate thinking. The dominant geopolitical/social factors and key figures of each period will be covered.
Module B will cover the ancient classics of Chinese medicine, being the Huangdi Neijing Suwen Lingshu, the Shanghan Zabing Lun, and the Nan Jing, as well as the “modern classics” of the Wen Bing Xue and Pi Wei Lun. The main principles, theories, historical significance and contemporary relevance will be examined.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of answers |
Assessment task 2: Essay
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 4.2 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Essay |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | The application of disciplinary knowledge including:
The demonstration of communication skills including:
|
Assessment task 3: Final Exam
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 90mins |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of answers |
Minimum requirements
Students are expected to participate in all learning activities and assessment tasks.
A minimum score of 50% (cumulative marks) for the subject is required to pass the subject.
Recommended texts
History:
Buck, C. (2014) Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: Roots of Modern Practice. Singing Dragon.
Hsu, E. (2001) Innovation in Chinese Medicine. Cambridge University Press.
Hsu, E. (1999) The Transmission of Chinese Medicine. Cambridge University Press.
Lewis, M. E. (2006) The Construction of Space in Early China. State University of New York Press.
Unschuld, P. (1985) Medicine in China: A History of Ideas. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Huangdi Neijing Suwen Lingshu:
Liu, X. (2008) Yellow Emperor's Canon of Medicine: Spiritual Pivot. Library of Chinese Classics English & Chinese Edition. World Publishing Corporation.
Li, Z. & Liu, X. (2004) Yellow Emperor's Canon of Medicine: Plain Conversation. Library of Chinese Classics English & Chinese Edition. World Publishingg Corporation.
Unschuld, P. & Tessenow, H. (2011) Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen: An Annotated Translation of Huang Di's Inner Classic - Basic Questions: 2 volumes. University of California Press.
Unschuld, P. (2016) Huang Di Nei Jing Ling Shu: The Ancient Classic on Needle Therapy. University of California Press.
Shanghan Zabing Lun:
Liu, G. (2015) Discussions of Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun): Commentaries and Clinical Applications. Singing Dragon.
Luo, X. (2007) Synopsis of Prescriptions from the Golden Chamber (Jingui Yaolue). World Publishing Corporation.
Mitchell, C., Chang, C. C. & Ye, F. (1999) Shang Han Lun: On Cold Damage: Translation & Commentaries 1st Edition. Paradigm Publications.
Wiseman, N. & Wilms, S. (2012) Jin Gui Yao Lue: Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet: Translation & Commentaries. Paradigm Publications.
Young, G. & Marchment, R. (2009) Shang Han Lun Explained. Churchill Livingstone.
Nanjing:
Unschuld, P. (2016) Nan Jing: The Classic of Disfficult Issues. University of California Press
Wenbing:
Wen, J.M. & Seifert, G. (2003) Warm Disease Theory: Wen Bing Xue. Paradigm Publications.
Lui, G. (2005) Warm Pathogen Diseases: A Clinical Guide. Eastland Press.
Piwei Lun & Zhu Danxi:
Yang, S.Z. & Li, J.Y. (1993) Li Dong-Yuan’s Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach. Blue Poppy Press.
Yang, S.Z. (2002) The Heart and Essence of Dan-Xi’s Methods of Treatment. Blue Poppy Press.