Writing, Literature, and Medicine

Item

Course Title

Writing, Literature, and Medicine

Course Description

Focuses on contemporary poetry and nonfiction by writers who are also medical professionals, patients, and caregivers. Studies the authors’ different perspectives to consider the griefs and joys, concerns and comforts they have in common with their readers. Encourages a heightened sense of empathy. Explores the body’s struggles and failures, recoveries and triumphs. Develops a practice of thoughtful self-examination through in-depth class discussions and weekly writing prompts.

Course Level

Undergraduate (BA, BS)
Graduate (MA, PhD)

Instructor Name

Jennifer Richter

Course Topics

Addiction
Black Health
Body/Embodiment
Burnout/ Moral distress
Cancer/Oncology
Disability/Ableism
Disease/Illness
Empathy/Compassion/Trust
Gender/Sexuality/LGBTQ+
Illness Experience/Patient Narratives
Latinx Health
Literature/Poetry/Creative Writing
Maternity/Maternal Health/Neonatal care
Mental Health
Narrative medicine
Native American/First Peoples Health
Pain/Suffering
Patient-provider relations
Prejudice/ Discrimination/Bias/Stigma/Stereotyping
Race/Ethnicity/Racism/Antiracism
Religion/Spirituality
Social determinants of health
Wellness/Mindfulness

Disciplinary Perspectives

Creative Writing
English
Health Professions
Literature/Literary Studies

Geographic Location

Corvallis, OR

Instructional Modality

online synchronous

Institutional Location

Oregon State University

Title

Writing, Literature, and Medicine