Literature and Illness

In Literature and Illness, students explore literary works concerned with medical issues and their ethical, social, and cultural context. Students analyze the perspectives gained through poetry and prose written by doctors, nurses, and patients. Through close Reading and written assignments, students assess the body and its illnesses through the redeeming and transformative power of art. Class readings reflect the healing effects of writing and the importance of living an examined life. In addition, students examine the impact of gender, race, and sexual orientation on attitudes toward diagnosis, treatment, and survival. In this course, students will achieve a greater understanding of illness and wellness through art appreciation: the study of poetry, memoir, short fiction, paintings, and film.

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