IS 31400 Sickness, Health, and Story

Stories aren't just the stuff of novels, poetry, and literature courses. Stories are how we make sense of ourselves, the world around us, and the people in it. In this course, we engage with the interdisciplinary field of Narrative Medicine, which focuses on the significance of stories in medical care. As we read, watch, or listen to particular kinds of stories about medicine, we examine how healthcare providers and patients understand sickness and health. We also look at the importance of story in healing as we study healthcare’s successes and failures. From the unexpected and heartbreaking stories of doctors who become patients to infuriating and frustrating tales of politics or profit over health, we investigate the inner workings of medicine and healthcare in the United States.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

ENGL 17000 with C or better; 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Offered

Fall/Spring/Summer.