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Special Topics in Global Health (390-0-21)

Topic

Literary Genres + Health: A TBR Readalong

Instructors

Beatriz Oralia Reyes
1800 Sherman Suite 1200 #1-108

Meeting Info

University Hall 412: Mon 3:00PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

When I was an undergraduate student my "To Be Read" list was always really long and often forgotten. As I have re-established my love of reading for fun I see how literary genres influence and challenge our understanding of well-being/health. Fiction, non-fiction, poems, memoirs, novels, young adult fiction, science fiction, mysteries, fantasy, fairy tales, horror, magical realism, and so many other genres influence our definitions of health or wellbeing. They give us insight into how other folks imagine and understanding situations we may or may not find ourselves in. The best text allow us to empathize with the characters or authors or challenge what we thought we knew. When thinking up this course, books that came to mind included "The Cancer Journals," "The Marrow Thieves," "Crying in H Mart," "Convenience Store Woman," "Medical Apartheid," "What the Eyes Don't See," "All About Love: New Visions," and "We Are Never Meeting in Real Life." Our course will consider some of these and other genres noted above. You'll be asked to propose a book to read/listen to and a list of various text will also be provided if you need guidance in choosing a text. You will learn how these text influence or challenge norms about health and well-being. Professor Reyes will help you access books that aren't easily available or affordable.

Class Materials (Required)

No required materials but Professor Reyes will help you access books that aren't easily available or affordable.

Class Attributes

No Freshmen