Professor: Reardon Course format: Lecture w/section Number of respondents: 27 Total Enrollment: 30 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 7 Jrs: 11 Srs: 8 Concs: 9 Non-Concs: 15 Don't Know: 1

Instructor Average: 1.52 Course Average: 1.33

“Biological and Social Context of Human Disease” is a seminar-style class that focuses on the influence of culture on the study of disease. Students learn to evaluate the constructions of health and disease, while being encouraged to "question everything." Although the only stated prerequisite is Bio 20, the majority of reviewers agreed that genetics was extremely helpful, while others felt that some anthropology background was also beneficial.

Respondents described Professor Reardon as knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and very approachable. They lauded her wilingness to help students and her efforts to address their learning needs, and also noted that she was always willing to meet with people outside of class. Reviewers especially enjoyed her ability to lead discussions, which were flowing and always interesting. Her use of the Socratic method was greatly appreciated by her students, who felt that this generated engaging discussion.

The assigned readings in the course covered diverse material, ranging from scientific papers to social-cultural readings. Most agreed that the scientific papers were a bit too technical, but all enjoyed the culturally-based papers. The course required two eight- to ten-page papers, a final project research paper of eight to twelve pages, and weekly discussion questions. Most fet that the assignments were both fair and appropriate.

Reviewers claimed to have spent a wide distribution of time on this course. Some spent as little as two hours weekly, while others spent six hours a week. However, all reported spending upwards of twenty hours on the class in the weeks when a paper was due. This amount of time was generally consistent with expectations, though some commented that the reading was a little excessive at times. Overall, all recommended that those interested should take it, but advised that the readings require a huge time commitment. The class is appropriate for concentrators and nonconcentrators alike because it approaches medicine in an unconventional manner and challenges the student to reevaluate his or her thinking.

View BI/0085 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.