Life and death, health and disease, form an integral part of human experience. The ways in which a society defines and copes with health problems reveal much about the nature of that society. In this course we will be discussing crucial health issues of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, preventive and curative approaches to those issues, and public responses. A primary focus will be the impact of modern medicine. The goal of the course is to increase our understanding of past and present societies, particularly Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a study in social and cultural history, increasing understanding of diversity, different knowledge systems and transdisciplinary perspectives. This course will begin with an introduction to historiography, research and major themes within the history of health and medicine. Then selected topics within Aotearoa New Zealand history of health and medicine will be explored, drawing on specified primary source readings. Coursework will include a book review, a short oral history project, and students will undertake a research project on a health issue of his or her choice using primary source evidence. To frame their research topic, they will also be required to write a short historiographic essay. The course will be highly interactive, with students participating in groups readings and reporting to the class on their research.