Course
Course 7.5 credits • ENGC17
Health and illness have always featured in literary texts. The course shows how the fields of medicine and literature have crossed over and developed alongside each other. It asks how medicine, as an art, practice and science, shapes representations of embodied figures and public institutions in literature and, conversely, how literary texts have historically impacted medical practice. In addition, the course spotlights how literary texts can invite readers to engage with the affective side of health and illness including strong emotions as embarrassment and shame. Central to the course are the debates about empathy and the pro-social function of certain works of literature and the strand of medical humanities that seeks out difficult, unspeakable, unacknowledged and invisible experiences.
The course is offered entirely as a distance learning course using an online learning platform and/or other digital tools. Participants are required to participate under these conditions, and must have access to a computer with an internet connection as well as functioning speakers, microphone, and a web camera. The department will provide information about the technical requirements.
The course is based on active participation, discussion, and reflection. The teaching consists of seven scheduled seminars (online) consisting of lecture components, teacher-supervised discussions, and group discussions. As part of their learning, participants write a short text during the course and obtain formative feedback on this.
The course is assessed by (i) participation in seminars; (ii) a short written assignment (650-750 words); (iii) a short oral presentation to be presented during a seminar; and (iv) a written assignment (1800-2200 words) to be submitted at the end of the course.
Study period:
autumn semester 2025
Type of studies:
part time, 25 %,
distance course
Study period:
2025-09-01 – 2026-01-18
Language of instruction:
English
Application code:
LU-34209
Eligibility:
General eligibility and 30 credits (hp) from the humanities, social sciences, or medicine.
- The schedule will be published 2025-06-19.
- Library Guide Engelska
Second Admission Round
Nationell ansökningsomgång
Autumn semester 2025
Late application
Possibly opens 15 July