Both literature and medicine endeavor to understand the human condition. Although writers and physicians use markedly different tools and approaches, both are recording and interpreting narratives. Patients, too, are eager to tell their stories of physical and psychological illness. Over the course of the semester we will read novels, short stories and plays as well as view cinematic accounts of illness, medical science and doctoring. The goal is to discuss the prominent themes found in the art of medicine as it is depicted on the written page, stage, or screen. This course will be co-taught by Professor Michael Schoenfeldt and Dr. Howard Markel.

Course Requirements:

Your grade for the class will be based on one paper (25%), a midterm examination (25%) and a final examination (30%), and class participation (20%).