Health & Illness. Culture & Context.
In the Health Humanities module, you will explore how health and illness are understood across different social, historical, and cultural contexts. You will examine how literature, film, art, philosophy, history, and sociology reflect aesthetic, ethical, and cultural notions of health and illness — and how these are connected to medical progress, social inequality, as well as political and economic decisions. You will also gain insights into some practical aspects of healthcare, sharpening your awareness of key societal challenges.
Courses & Skills
- Describe and apply fundamental concepts and approaches of the Health Humanities;
- Critically analyze societal, historical, and cultural discourses on health, illness, aging, and disability, and situate them within interdisciplinary contexts;
- Identify and reflect on interdisciplinary perspectives between the humanities, social sciences, cultural studies, and health sciences;
- Critically interpret cultural narratives and representations of health and illness;
- Reflect on bioethical, care-related, and medical ethical issues, and critically assess gender-specific and intersectional dimensions of health and illness;
- Examine the influence of technology, robotics, and digitalization on healthcare and discuss their societal implications;
- Develop and carry out independent interdisciplinary projects on specific topics, and communicate their relevance for both academia and practice.