Health Humanities

Catalog description

Health and illness are not simply matters of medical science. In this class, we will practice using the critical skills of the humanities to think expansively about human health. By examining medical history, reading personal narratives of illness, and interpreting works of art relating to health (including literature, visual art, and film), we will think through the ways that social and political context, individual experience, and creative practice shape our understanding of human health. We will also study the political nature of health by learning about health-related activism, such as the disability rights movement, HIV and AIDS advocacy, and fights for environmental justice. Finally, we will evaluate different arguments for including the study of the humanities in health professions education. Counts as a Human Diversity & Commonality course.