ENGL 284 - Writing Medicine

Semester Offered: Fall
0.5 unit(s)

This intensive is an introduction to medical humanities, an interdisciplinary field that draws from literature, the arts, and the social sciences to help students gain a greater understanding of the socio-cultural contexts of health, illness, and disability. It also encourages the development of the communication skills, empathy, and self-awareness that are needed to care for the whole person rather than merely treating their symptoms. Each student is placed through OCEL with one of our partners: possibilities include Taconic Resources for Independence, the Anderson Center for Autism, Abilities First and Mid-Hudson Association for Persons with Disabilities, Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Children’s Medical Group, River Valley Speech and Language, Mental Health America of Dutchess County, Lutheran Care Center, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Students gather six times over the course of the semester to share experiences, and to discuss readings and films that provide an opportunity for deeper reflection on the meanings of health, personhood, and healing. Some sessions may feature invited guests, either from the Vassar community or from our partner organizations. Topics are chosen according to the issues raised by the students’ placements as well as their personal interests. Students keep a journal and complete a writing or other creative project at the end of the semester; in some cases these projects might be shared with community organizations. Leslie Dunn.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Intensive.

Course Format: INT

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