B6277 - Scienza, ricerca e comunicazione a fumetti

Learning outcomes

To understand the use of comics for research and public engagement

Course contents

In this course we will propose the use of graphic narratives (or comics) as a means of communication and expression in the biomedical and medical-health context. Students will focus on understanding how visual narration works and is articulated through the double communication channel of words and images, through experiences of critical self-exploration (my experience as a future doctor), narrative medicine (stories of patients and caregivers) and raising awareness of some relevant issues from a social as well as medical point of view (e.g. body donation to science, rare diseases, etc.).


This elective is the first course in Italy inspired by the Graphic Medicine approach, an emerging field of study with different areas of interest which concerns the intersection between comics and the healthcare dimension. The visual and textual representation of the experience of the disease through comics allows us to strengthen the profiles of future doctors in understanding the disease from a holistic point of view, not only biological, but also narrative, political and social. Comics can be used to enhance medical students' observation and interpretation skills, provide doctors with new intuitive skills and acquire greater empathy towards the patient.





Specifically in this module:








1. Research through comics: from body donation to rare diseases


2. How to create an awareness campaign with comics


3. Discussion of projects carried out at a national and international level in the Graphic Medicine sector


4. Creation of a short graphic story (short-comic) as an individual activity on a particularly significant theme

Readings/Bibliography

https://graphicmedicineitalia.org/





The reference texts will be made available by the professors

Teaching methods

The course is based on a synthesis of different teaching strategies. After a few frontal hours aimed at providing the necessary theoretical and operational knowledge involved in graphic medicine, experiential learning will be favored through the reading of selected graphic novels and the creation of a short comic. In this phase, group work will alternate with collective discussions and individual exercises.

Assessment methods

At the end of the course, each student will produce a short graphic story or "comic" of approximately 4-6 pages which must be submitted on the last day of class. The individual story should combine drawings and text about a significant medical school experience and a significant medical theme. Students will be evaluated not only on the final product, but also on their active participation during the lessons.

Teaching tools

The tools will be graphic novels, ppts and teaching materials made available to students.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Ratti