Anatomy in Italy: Cadavers, Culture, and Science

Catalog description

Anatomy is more than learning to name structures. Students will practice critical thinking and analytical skills, and develop key literacies while studying human cadavers and learning to predict a structure's function by observing its shape, texture, and tissues. Students will practice critical and integrative thinking while discussing the historical circumstances that gave rise to, supported, and sometimes hindered the development of anatomy as a science by synthesizing original arguments (written and oral) that explore the evolution of anatomic science within the context of Italian history, politics, and culture. Students will also study the ethics of acquiring cadavers within contemporary and renaissance contexts, identify individual graphics and historical sculptures that demonstrate anatomic understanding, and discuss their origins and implications for renaissance-era society. Students will also develop their communication skills: presenting original posters, leading class discussions, writing term papers, and creating webcasts as part of a service project. During spring break, students will travel with the instructors to Italy and study: anatomic wax specimens born through collaborations between anatomists and artists; Michelangelo's hidden anatomy in the Sistine Chapel; and the history of medicine. As preparation for their study abroad experience, students must concurrently enroll in IT 197 : Italian Language and Culture for Study Abroad