Health Humanities

The Department of Health Humanities provides an interdisciplinary study of medical and health-related topics through fields such as history, culture, the arts, and communication.

4 semester credits (3 theory, 1 clinical). This course focuses on evidence-based nursing care of older adults living in long-term care settings. Normal physiological changes of aging and related assessment skills will be incorporated and evaluated using standardized assessment tools. Management of common geriatric care problems will be emphasized. Particular focus will be placed on the ethical and spiritual concerns of vulnerable older adult populations. Students will reflect upon how the nursing role merges with life goals, philosophy and meaning to develop professional behaviors consistent with these aspects of life.

3 semester credits. This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image - space, color, movement, and form - will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one's inner world.

4 semester credits. This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image - space, color, movement, and form - will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one's inner world. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.

3 semester credits. This advanced lecture/lab course explores the history of art therapy as well as different contemporary theoretical approaches as well as practical applications of art therapy in various contexts and settings. Specific advanced scientific literature will be discussed, case studies will be analyzed, and contemporary challenges will be dealt with in order to shape critical knowledge of art therapy ethics, boundaries, limits and meanings associated with taking care of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Using their own personal experiences, students will use a great variety of media from diverse perspectives first-hand: writing, drawing, painting, collaging, and other techniques will be connected to each art therapy perspective in different ways in order to offer an idea of the flexibility required when dealing with this discipline. Glimpses will be also offered on other expressive art therapies such as music therapy and dance therapy. Prerequisites: Introduction to Art Therapy or equivalent.

4 semester credits. This advanced lecture/lab course explores the history of art therapy as well as different contemporary theoretical approaches as well as practical applications of art therapy in various contexts and settings. Specific advanced scientific literature will be discussed, case studies will be analyzed, and contemporary challenges will be dealt with in order to shape critical knowledge of art therapy ethics, boundaries, limits and meanings associated with taking care of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Using their own personal experiences, students will use a great variety of media from diverse perspectives first-hand: writing, drawing, painting, collaging, and other techniques will be connected to each art therapy perspective in different ways in order to offer an idea of the flexibility required when dealing with this discipline. Glimpses will be also offered on other expressive art therapies such as music therapy and dance therapy. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience. Prerequisites: Introduction to Art Therapy or equivalent.

1 semester credit. This seminar aims to raise awareness of key health and safety issues in academic facilities and laboratories. The course meets the requirements for induction training for all students, promoting risk awareness and risk prevention as an integral part of education. A practical approach to training will be used in order to encourage students to actively participate both on their own and in small groups.

3 semester credits. This course focuses on individual skills to succeed in social and personal life. It provides an introduction to the science of happiness, integrating findings from positive psychology, behavioural genetics, neuroscience, and behavioural economics. The course offers a set of tools and techniques to transform problems into learning opportunities and to develop and apply strategies and skills that promote overall progress in a person's psychological, physical, and social well-being.