Teaching Medical Terminology: Philosophical Problems in Naming

Professor Andromache Karanika bridges the Classics and Medicine in a new course: Classics 10 - Scientific and Specialized Terminology.

This course traditionally designed to offer a basic introduction to the history of the English language with emphasis on the Greek and Latin cognates, and word-building skills was conceptualized differently. We sought to provide a rigorous introduction and analysis of not only the mechanics and extensive history of linguistic journeys in the making of medical terminology but even more to delve into some of the philosophical problems behind naming (diseases, cures, etc) and the critical theory that can be applied to the making of medical language over the centuries.

Students not only engaged with linguistics and Classics but even more developed an interest in Medical Humanities more broadly. It also was important for me as the faculty member as the engagement with Medical Humanities has also built into my own research in ways that would not have been possible without this broader community.