This article describes an informal course on literature and medicine for medical students. A wide range of books, plays and poems were used with medical and non-medical themes. Students enjoyed the course and particularly welcomed the non-medical components. Several book lists are provided with an emphasis on classic authors (e.g. Jane Austen, Harper Lee, Lewis Carroll, although The Color Purple is also included in one). Description focuses on general structure and students’ reactions rather than details of discussions. The author urges informality for this kind of literary discussion and suggests even calling it a “club” rather than a “course.” Could be useful to discuss ethics of care or as a starting place for a more diverse reading list.
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Details
Language: English
Type of Teaching Material: Syllabus
Setting (class level or workshop): Professional
Type of Story: Journal Article
Medium: written
Contributed by: Health Story Hub
Citation:
Calman, K. C., Downie, R. S., Duthie, M., & Sweeney, B. (1988). Literature and medicine: A short course for medical students. Medical Education, 22, 265–269. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.1988.tb00752.x