A Brief History of Cancer

Catalog description

We will examine how the relationship between humans and cancer has evolved over time, with an emphasis on its scientific understanding, its medical treatment, and its relationship to society. We will discuss major scientific advances in the genesis, treatment, and prevention of cancer, while considering a variety of viewpoints (e.g. historic, scientific, medical, and societal). We'll also explore the ethics of personal and communal issues surrounding cancer, such as patient consent, treatment options, lifestyle choices, and drug development and testing. In addition to the content above, this course places a large focus on communication. Students will develop skills in both written and verbal communication through both peer and instructor feedback on regular low-stakes writing and group discussion, mini-projects (verbal and written) for diverse audiences, and an overarching argumentative essay that is built in stages over the course of the semester. Counts as a Communication Intensive course. Counts as a Moral & Ethical Reasoning course. Prereq: Academic Inquiry Seminar (AIQS).