On its website, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) defines a poison as follows: “A poison is anything that can harm someone if it is 1) used in the wrong way, 2) used by the wrong person, or 3) used in the wrong amount.” (https://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/poison-info/what-is-a-poison/index.html) This definition is focusing on the biomedical, harmful effect of poison, implying that this effect is always unwanted (“wrong”). Of course, that is not always true since the harmful effect is sometimes exactly what is wanted from such a substance. There are not only poisoning murders or dangerous food adulterations but also legal death penalties or pesticides. Furthermore, it can sometimes be very controversial when exactly a “wrong” amount is reached as can be seen in current debates about nitrogen oxides.
What substance is a poison and when? Which use of poisons are legitimate, which are not? The answers to these questions are dependent on the social, political, legal, and of course scientific context. In this seminar, we will explore the history of poisons. Focusing on the 19th and 20th centuries, this topic will be approached from four intertwined angles: the history of crime, the history of regulation, the history of occupational and public health, and environmental history.
Claas Kirchhelle (2018): "Toxic Tales—Recent Histories of Pollution, Poisoning, and Pesticides (ca. 1800–2010)", in: NTM Zeitschrift für Geschichte der Wissenschaften, Technik und Medizin 26, 213-229.
José Ramón Bertomeu-Sánchez, Ximo Guillem-Llobat (2016): "Following Poisons in Society and Culture (1800-2000): A Review of Current Literature", in: Actes d'Historia de la Ciéncia i de la Técnica 9, 9-36.
Frequency | Weekday | Time | Format / Place | Period |
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Module | Course | Requirements | |
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22-4.3 Mastermodul Geschichtswissenschaft: Moderne
4.3.3 |
Masterseminar Moderne | Graded examination
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Student information |
22-HEPS-HM1 Hauptmodul 1: Entwicklung der Wissenschaften | Entwicklung der Wissenschaften I | Study requirement
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Student information |
Entwicklung der Wissenschaften II | Graded examination
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Student information | |
22-M-4.3 Mastermodul Moderne
4.3.3 |
Masterseminar | Study requirement
Graded examination |
Student information |
22-M-4.4.1 Profilmodul "Geschichte der europäischen Moderne"
4.3.3 |
Masterseminar | Study requirement
Graded examination |
Student information |
22-M-4.5 Forschungsmodul
4.3.3 |
Masterseminar | Student information |
The binding module descriptions contain further information, including specifications on the "types of assignments" students need to complete. In cases where a module description mentions more than one kind of assignment, the respective member of the teaching staff will decide which task(s) they assign the students.
Degree programme/academic programme | Validity | Variant | Subdivision | Status | Semester | LP | |
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Bielefeld Graduate School In History And Sociology / Promotion | Optional Course Programme | 0.5 |
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