Syllabi: Science Fiction and Medicine: Modern Technology's Impact on the Individual

INSTITUTION: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine

PRESENTER: Bill Pomidor, M.D., 1986 NEOUCOM graduate, mystery novelist, and medical editor.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Martin Kohn, Ph.D., Director of the Human Values in Medicine Program (email: mfk@neoucom.EDU)

ENROLLMENT: BS/MD; selective; limit:15

SEMESTER: Winter 2000
January 27, February 3, 10, 17 (Thursday afternoons, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.)

LEARNING GOALS: 1) To enjoy a series of science fiction readings

2) To analyze science fiction's role as a "proving ground" for scientific advances

3) To study science fiction as a mirror for society's view of science, technology, and medicine

4) To examine science fiction as social commentary on the future, and ponder the role of physicians in shaping and changing that future

5) To explore the effects of present and future technology on the individual and society

6) To water the tree of creative thought which often withers beneath the scorching sun of medical fact.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: Readings, large- and small-group discussions, occasional brief lectures, viewing of a film.

OUTLINE:

Week 1: Introductions, discussions based on reading assignments.

Week 2: Further readings and discussions.

Week 3: Viewing and discussion of the film 1984.

Week 4: Meeting will probably be held at an off-campus dining establishment, where we will discuss further readings as well as the creativity assignments (see below).

READING LIST: Most selections will consist of short stories from the World Treasury of Science Fiction, available on loan from the HVM office. Authors will include Vonnegut, Ballard, Sturgeon, Varley, LeGuin and Asimov, among others. Depending on availability and time constraints, a novel may also be included. We will probably view the film 1984, although that selection is subject to change.

REQUIREMENTS: Attendance and participation (which is at least as important as reading the assignments); short (two or three paragraph) create-your-own-plot imagination exercise. Sleepy or apathetic students are inevitably called on to answer discussion questions, so be forewarned: once you sign up for this class, there's no turning back!