AMS 260 - Medical Terminology, History, and Ethics (4)

A linguistic introduction to the vast amount of scientific and medical vocabulary that is derived from ancient Greek and Latin. The systematic study of Greek and Latin word elements (prefixes, suffixes, roots and combined forms) from which medical and scientific vocabularies are constructed trains students to not only recognize elements in a wide range of medical terms in current use, but also to master techniques that can be used to decipher and interpret new terminology as it is created. The course is designed to develop semantic skills useful for advanced work in health and wellness professions, medicine, and many of the biological sciences. Students will also be introduced to aspects of the history of medicine and the role of classical languages and cultures in its development. Through careful readings of contemporary sources, students will discuss issues in medical ethics. Previous knowledge of Greek or Latin is not required. Pre- or corequisite: HUM 124. Even years Spring.