Humanities Elective Courses
Cutting Cold Flesh: Perspectives from the Humanities | SYLLABUS
Fri., 9/25, Tues., 9/29, Fri., 10/2, Tues., 10/6, Fri., 10/9, Fri., 10/16, Tues., 10/20, Fri., 10/23, 12:00-12:50, Aud. A, and choice of Tues., 11/3, Fri., 11/6, or Tues., 11/10, Sem. Rm. A1
Faculty: Steven Peitzman, M.D., F.A.C.P.,
Rhonda Soricelli, M.D., & Guest Faculty.
Dissection of cadavers has defined the special tasks and privileges of medical students. This course places dissection in its historical, cultural, literary, spiritual, and artistic context.
Medicine and Literature | ELECTIVE
WEBPAGE
Thurs., 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/22, 11/5, 5:00-7:00, Sem. Rm. A1
Faculty: Rhonda Soricelli, MD
In this course we will experience illness narratives
in literature, film and art, using them to further
our understanding of sickness and suffering and its deeply
personal nature. We will also develop a deeper sense of the
whole story when only a fragment of the narrative is
available.
Medicine and Art | SYLLABUS
Mon., 10/5, Grand Rounds, 12:00-12:50, Aud. A, and 1:00-1:50, Aud. B; Tues., 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 11/3, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Seminar Rm. A1; Trip to Philadelphia Museum of Art with Grand Rounds Credit TBA
This course challenges medical students to symbolically encounter the human struggle with illness and death through the visual arts. This mode of learning will reinforce a whole person paradigm for clinical judgment and patient care.
The Practice of Making Abstract Art:
Balancing Intuitive and Analytical Thought | SYLLABUS
Tues., 1/12, 1/26, 2/16, 2/23, 3/9 5:00-7:00, Sem. Rm. A1
Faculty: Marianne Mitchell
A day in the life of a medical student often seems to run beyond 24 hours, with a rare moment for self-reflection. This course offers a break for inner discovery through the process of making abstract art. We will study the "formal elements" of painting – light, color, shape, line, and composition, and also cultivate greater understanding of the unconscious voice. We will experience how intuitive knowing and analytical thinking inform each other as a person reaches resolution in art, and in life.
NOTE: No prior artistic experience is required. A studio fee of $30 to cover the costs of basic materials will be charged.
Medical Spanish Intermediate | SYLLABUS
Mon., 1/11, 2/1, Weds., 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/17, Fri., 1/15, 1/29, 2/12, 2/19, 12:00-12:50, Aud. A
Faculty: TBA
This course will provide a basic knowledge of the language, using a text, CD, and classroom instruction. Required: 1 year of high school Spanish or 2 semesters of college Spanish.
Medical Spanish Advanced | SYLLABUS
Thurs., 1/7, 1/14, 1/28, 2/11, 2/18, Fri., 1/08, Tues., 1/12, 1/26, 2/09, 2/16, 12:00-12:50, Aud. A
Faculty: TBA
Handout: Las Comidas
This course is for the students with a strong foundation in Spanish. Required: 2 or more years of high school Spanish or 3 or more semesters of college Spanish.
History of Medicine | SYLLABUS
Saturday, 4/10 – 9:00-4:00, Sem. Rm. A1, and ½ Day Walking Tour that will be scheduled to maximize convenience of the class.
Faculty: Steven Peitzman, M.D., F.A.C.P.
This course selectively explores historical sources of Western medical thought and practice, as well as the structure of the profession, from Hippocrates to the 21st century. Topics include women in medicine, the history of MCP (formerly Woman's Medical College), homeopathy, and the founding of Hahnemann Medical College. Classes will utilize slides, discussion, videos, a “readers’ theatre” performance, and lecture.
Independent Study Elective:
Contemplative Practice
Faculty: Steven Rosenzweig, M.D.
Contemplative practices quiet the mind with the intention of cultivating greater insight and understanding of self and world. Students may design an independent study that combines contemplative training, self-reflection and scholarship.
