Course Intro
Bioethical Dramas is a course that focuses on ethical issues in medicine and their portrayal in the context of popular culture. The central questions explored in this class are “How does the practice of modern medicine intersect with social ethical considerations?” and “What do portrayals of medical practice and medical science in popular culture reveal to us about how we view ourselves and others?”
Students gain knowledge of current bioethical issues through reading philosophical texts, case studies, experiential theater activities and the critical analysis of dramatic works in script and film.
Using theater activities such as improvisation, script writing and character and scene development, this course provides a link between knowing “about” bioethical issues and their portrayal in current media, and using this knowledge to interrogate these problems, empathize with affected individuals and populations and envision ethically justifiable resolutions.
James Petty is an assistant professor of practice in the Department of Creative Arts, Design and Architecture. His areas of expertise are in education theory, curriculum design and technical theatre.
“I developed the class based on research studies that have demonstrated the benefits of using drama as a tool to help health care staff build emotional and social resilience,” Petty explained. “Through the class, students are taught about how ethics play a role in their daily practice. By using dramatic activities and watching dramatic portrayals of these issues through film and television, they can build the personal and social skills necessary to navigate those challenges more successfully.”
In a recent class, students participated in an interactive activity where Petty presented bioethical questions. Students then stood along a spectrum line of strongly agree to strongly disagree to show their response. Once students stood firm in their decisions, Petty called on them and asked them to explain why they had chosen to stand where they did.
The Classroom Experience
This course presents students with a different perspective on learning, from acting out ethical issues they may encounter in the future to attending a lecture-style class. This course is extremely interactive and relies heavily on participation, which promotes group collaboration and critical thinking. The acting portion of this class really allows students to grasp and understand the importance of the Bioethical issue presented to them.
“Using drama activities provides a forum for self-exploration that is free from judgment while also being educational, and hopefully some fun,” said Petty.
Student Testimonial
“My favorite thing about our bioethics class is our open opinion-based discussions,” explained Abigail Goodwin ’27. “It is nice to be able to get up and move around the room and not be stuck listening to a traditional lecture. It is also great that our class is a safe space where we can all express our thoughts about these ethical topics. It is nice to hear different perspectives in this area and it gives us a chance to maybe even change our views. (Professor Petty) also includes current information on these topics that sometimes none of the students were previously aware of, which really opens our eyes.”
Course Takeaways
Petty’s goal for this class is to provide a safe space for aspiring nurses and other students to explore their personal relationship to some of the most ethically challenging issues in today’s health care environment. A primary goal of every lesson is to explore the human experience, share individual perspectives and, ideally, find creative and actionable solutions to the many challenges faced by health care providers.
