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History

Undergraduate Program

Contact Us

University of Houston
Department of History
3553 Cullen Boulevard, Room 524
Houston, TX 77204-3000
713.743.3083

Main Office
Carol Aikels
Department Business Administrator
524 Agnes Arnold Hall 
713.743.0200

Undergraduate Office
Aarti Arriaga
Undergraduate Advisor
517 Agnes Arnold Hall
713.743.3608

Graduate Office
Raúl Ramos
Graduate Director
713.743.3116

Department Chair
Catherine F. Patterson
541 Agnes Arnold Hall
713.743.3110

History of Science, Medicine, and Technology Professional Studies Track

A hydropower station somewhere in North Russia. Courtsy of Dmitry Blyshko.

Do the connections between science and societies intrigue you? If so, the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology (HSMT) professional studies track is for you. HSMT uses a humanistic approach to understand how science, medicine, and technology have developed over time and the impacts they have had on global societies. By studying HSMT students gain an understanding of the forces that have shaped our modern world and the ways in which civilizations have explained the world around them.  They can also connect their studies with critical issues like pandemics, climate change, racial disparities, and technological change.  

Through HSMT coursework students will learn about: 

  • social and economic factors that have shaped health and illness in global societies 
  • varying perspectives on clinical encounters and the role of the patient in health care
  • social and ideological contexts of medical care, medical ethics, and medical technology
  • theories, practices, and institutions of science, medicine, and technology and the ways they shape and are shaped by our social lives and circumstances
  • societal factors that influence research design, data collection, and the analysis of results
  • the social and economic contexts in which the development and marketing of new technologies occurs
  • using historical case studies to broaden perspectives on the impact of disease and health, science and technologies, on differing populations and individuals

History of Science, Medicine, and Technology is a great professional track for students who plan for careers in the health sciences and medical professions, scientific or technological research, marketing or development of new technologies, or K-12 education. The HSMT track will enhance students’ preparation for careers in: 

  • Medicine and the Health Sciences, including
    • MD
    • Nursing
    • Public health
    • Exercise science
    • Health administration and policy
  • Scientific research
  • Technological research, development, design, and marketing 
  • K-12 Education 

Affiliated Faculty

Requirements

Students may either take a History capstone course related to the track or undertake an internship, independent research project, or senior thesis on the history of science, medicine, or technology. Students doing an internship or research project must register for this course under the supervision of a designated History faculty member.

Two additional 3000 or 4000 level courses relating to science, medicine, and technology are required. See the list below for recommended courses. Relevant Special Problems courses in History at the 3000 or 4000 level may count towards this Track if approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Relevant graduate courses in History may count for the second or third courses in the track, if approved by the course instructor and Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Current Courses

(from 2022-23 Undergraduate Catalog)

  • HIST 2397 - Selected Topics in History (when offered as the Introduction to the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology
  • HIST 3303 - Disease, Health, and Medicine in American History
  • HIST 3316 - Race and Racism in American Science and Medicine
  • HIST 3319 - Plagues and Pestilence: Epidemics in World History
  • HIST 3356 - History of Madness
  • HIST 4398 - Independent Study