Electives - Humanities in Medicine

Research in Humanities

Elective Number: 3509 (arranged)

Course Supervisor: Dr. Marcia Childress, 5361 Barringer

Prerequisite: Several months in advance of starting a project, students interested in independent research must meet with Dr. Childress to discuss their project concept, objectives, possible mentor(s), resource needs, and timetable. At least one month in advance of beginning the rotation, students must obtain Dr. Childress's approval of a brief, written project proposal (and, if appropriate, a preliminary bibliography); the approved proposal is also sent to the Electives Director. Students who do their research in another country must complete the university's International requirements (ISO application, on-line tracking, appointment with Student Health, etc.). Students whose research will involve human subjects should discuss this with Dr. Childress; they will be responsible for securing appropriate institutional review board approval prior to beginning their studies.

Duration: Maximum 8 weeks, Minimum 2 weeks

Available: all rotations, with prior arrangement

Time to Report: TBA

Place to Report: TBA

Attendance: Attendance at elective activities is mandatory.

• Anyone who is ill or has a personal or family emergency must contact Student Affairs and the Attending on Service.
• Students are allowed to take off up to 1 day per week to interview between November 1 and February 1.
  • Specific days missed must be approved by the Attending on Service.

Number of students per rotation: open

Course Description: This elective opportunity allows students to pursue focused, in-depth humanities-based research or undertake substantial reflective writing or creative arts projects that explore the human dimensions of illness and health, the process of becoming a doctor, or connections between the humanities or the arts and medicine. Projects usually involve some scholarly background preparation to situate the student's work within a tradition. Projects often model for students a way to pursue avocational interests in the humanities or arts and integrate such pursuits into a busy medical life.

Students work under the supervision of one or more faculty mentors from appropriate humanities, arts, and medical disciplines within the university or the community. Students keep a journal throughout the rotation and present their completed projects. Students attend Medical Center Hour during the rotation.

Independent research projects can be arranged in a variety of areas. In recent years, students have undertaken projects in writing (original short fiction, drama, poetry, memoir, essay, and creative nonfiction, as well as critical and analytical writing); visual and fine arts (drawing, painting, photography, print-making, sculpture, ceramics); other fine arts (for example, musical composition); historical research; cultural studies and cross-cultural research; gender studies; design and preparation of instructional materials; and qualitative research on aspects of medicine, medical practice, and medical education.