Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Course Description:
An introduction to the philosophy, culture, history, and practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through lectures, readings, field trips, and independent student research. Emphasis will be placed on the philosophical foundations of TCM, the TCM view of the body in health and illness, and the practice of the five branches of TCM in modern China and around the world.

Fall 2008: 2 Credits. Tuesdays, 2:00-4:00 pm.
Instructor: Dr. Greg Livingston


Readings:
1. Kendall, Donald E. Dao of Chinese Medicine: Understanding an Ancient Healing Art.
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.
2. Kaptchuk, Ted J. The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine.
Chicago: Contemporary (McGraw-Hill), 2000.
3. Unschuld, Paul U. Medicine in China: Historical Artifacts and Images.
Munich: Prestel, 2000.
4. Unschuld, Paul U. Medicine In China: A History of Ideas.
Berkeley, CA: University of California Press; 1985.
5. H. Beinfield, E. Korngold. Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine.
Toronto: Random House, 1991.

Writing assignments:

1. 1000-1250 word open-topic paper based on readings and lectures. First draft due Week 4.
2. 750 word prospectus for final paper. Due Week 6.
3. 2000-2500 word open-topic research paper. 4-8 sources, no more than half from websites, the remaining from academic publications of the last 20 years. Due Week 8.
Note: All written assignments should be formatted with double line spacing and typed using a 12-point font and include proper footnotes and bibliography of works cited. The preferred citation style for footnotes and bibliography for all written assignments is the Chicago Documentary-Note Style (also called the Chicago Humanities Style). For more information about this style, please consult Kate Turabin, A manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 6th edition (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996); or The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003). Both books will be on reserve in the CIEE Study Center library. If you need assistance please ask your course instructor or the Program Director.

Assessment and Final Grade
Attendance and participation: 25%
Mid-term Paper: 25%
Final Paper: 50%


Classes and Outings:
Week 1: Ancient Beginnings and Syncretization- Pre-history to Qin Dynasty: (lecture) Shamanism, Yi-Jing & Yin Yang, 5-Phases,
Readings: Kendall, Preface-29; Kaptchuk, 1-33; Unschuld 1985, 340-345.

Week 2: Hu Qing Yu Tang: (outing) Tour of the famous apothecary and its museum and clinic.
Readings: Kaptchuk, 34-83 (optional, 84-114).

Week 3: Huang Di Nei Jing: (lecture) Significance of Nei Jing and introduction to contents: world-view and cosmology; anatomy and physiology; etiology, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
Readings: Kendall, 30-33, 56-60, 69-72 (optional, 34-55, 60-69); Kaptchuk, 115-158; Unschuld 1985, 276-285.

Week 4: Diagnosis and Treatment: (lecture) Four methods of examination, pattern differentiation, ba-gang, qi/xue, zang-fu, jing-luo, shang-han, wen-bing.
Readings: Kaptchuk, 178-244.

Week 5: Guang Xing Tang Tuina; Five Branches of Medicine: (outing) Qi Gong, Dietetics, Manipulation, Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Herbology.
Readings: Kendall, 73-88; Kaptchuk, 245-266; Unschuld 1985, 328-333, 337-340.

Week 6: Yang Sheng (nourishing health): (lecture) Discussion of various yang sheng practices and food treatment.
Readings: Kendall, 89-110; H. Beinfield, E. Korngold, 323-342; Unschuld 1985, 307-314.

Week 7: CM in the 20th Century: (lecture) modern developments, traditional vs. modern style development, global diffusion, current models of TCM healthcare delivery in PRC and abroad.
Readings: Unschuld 2000, 7-18, 62-87

Week 8: Hangzhou Shi Zhong Yi Yuan: (outing) Tour of modern TCM hospital: tour facilities; meeting with one or more doctors; observe in-patient and out-patient clinical practice.
Readings: H. Beinfield, E. Korngold, 265-284

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