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A History of the Modern World through Body Parts
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:27
Abstract
Human body parts have been historically endowed with different cultural values and socio-political meanings. In this seminar, we will consider the histories of different body parts as lenses to critically understand the body beyond its biological nature and its supposed universality and to reflect on the history of the world, with a special focus on the production and circulation of knowledge.
Objective
Objectives are: 1) developing new perspectives on scientific subjects by bringing them in dialogue with the themes analysed and by raising ethical questions; 2) familiarising with the major topics in the field of body history and becoming aware of the multiple ways in which understanding the body and its relationship with culture and power can help think critically of the present we live in.
Content
Students engage with the history of the body from mid-eighteenth century onwards through examples taken from the multidisciplinary scholarship on the body. Emphasis will be placed on both Western and non-Western contexts as well as on exchanges, adaptations and resistance in terms of circulating knowledge of body parts. More specifically, students are sensitized to the historical and cultural variabilities of body parts that challenge scientific understandings of the human body as an unchanging biological entity. Structured thematically and adopting a multidisciplinary perspective on topics like anatomy and surgery, forensic culture, sexuality, physical culture, eugenics, and productivity, the course looks at shifting attitudes towards body parts such as cranium, heart, eyes, teeth, breast, abdomen, buttocks, uterus, pelvis, and feet. Constant intersecting analytical lenses are gender, race, ethnicity and class as well as socioeconomic circumstances of modernity. The ‘long durée’ approach of the course allows to consider the continuities and changes in terms of scientific epistemologies and practices regarding the body. In doing so, debated contemporary issues such as the sexualisation of the female body and gene-editing practices are discussed.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 20
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
A History of the Modern World through Body Parts
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 28 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
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