| Unit name | Anatomical Humanities |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ANATM0002 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Miller |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
ANAT30009, ANAT30010, ANAT30012, ANAT30014 & ANAT30015 must all be completed. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
Uncertain Anatomy and Anatomy Student Seminars |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Anatomy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
This unit draws together threads from across the programme to explore the relationship that the discipline of anatomy shares with culture and society.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
At this point in your study of anatomy you have experience in managing expectations and perceptions of yourself as an anatomist, in how your anatomical knowledge and experience influences your life beyond your course, and been able to hear and appreciate the experiences of others.
An overview of content
In four key elements this unit will explore anatomy through the lens of the humanities. It bridges the gap between science and the arts, offering students further insight into how anatomical knowledge has been influenced by, and has influenced, various cultural, historical, and artistic contexts.
Philosophical Anatomy
The ethical considerations, historical perspectives and current law surrounding dissection and cadaver use have been discussed at contextually appropriate points throughout the course. With this preparation and experience we will begin to engage with philosophical inquiries about the nature of the body, mind-body dualism and the concept of personhood.
Body Rights and Rites
Building upon personhood, as discussed in Philosophical anatomy, and upon the physical and metaphysical concepts of self and death as discussed in year 3, this element explores the interplay between body rights—emphasising consent and ethics—and body rites, which encompass traditions and beliefs about the body. It will consider how different cultures, particularly indigenous cultures, perceive and practice body rights and rites.
Complementary and Alternative Practice
Modern Western medicine is heavily based on scientific research and technological advancements. The representation of the body is detailed and precise, focusing on anatomical and physiological processes. In contrast, many modern practices such as yoga, meditation, and holistic healing integrate traditional beliefs with contemporary understandings, offering diverse representations of the body. There are many aspects to consider, but the focus will be on Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurveda.
Literature and Art as Contemporary Records of Anatomical Thought
As a unifying theme interspersed throughout this unit, this element will explore the role of literature and art in reflecting, documenting, and influencing contemporary anatomical thought. By examining various forms of artistic expression, and building upon discussion and teaching in Visualising Anatomy through Imaging and third year seminars, it will offer insights into how these mediums capture the cultural, social, and political zeitgeist of our discipline.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit.
Building on knowledge gained throughout the preceding three years of the Applied Anatomy Programme, exposure to diverse cultural, social, and philosophical contexts, and the lens of art and literature are aimed to further encourage you to appreciate and reflect upon the multifaceted nature of anatomical humanities.
Learning Outcomes
1. Explore and critically assess various philosophical theories concerning personhood and the relationship between the body and identity
2. Examine the principles of body rights related to autonomy and integrity and investigate the traditions, beliefs, and practices associated with body rites in various cultures.
3. Analyse how aspects of how these practices integrate traditional beliefs with contemporary, western anatomy and surgery.
4. Explore the role of various artistic expressions in shaping and influencing the understanding of anatomy
A mix of seminar-based discussion and demonstration as appropriate to element theme. Where practicable expert practitioners will be invited to discuss their practice and art.
How will you be assessed?
Unit outcomes are assessed through a single piece of work involving a visit to a relevant person (e.g., acupuncturist, writer, artist, TCM practitioner) or place (e.g., exhibition, installation) and submission of a report. This work may combine observational insights, interviews, critical analysis, and reflective components to demonstrate your consideration of a social, cultural or philosophical practice aligned to anatomy.
How will you prepare?
Visits (person or place) will be discussed early in the unit and you will be encouraged to create and discuss a brief outline plan with unit staff. Your aims and objectives should be considered and if visiting a person, it would be helpful to share these for which further guidance will be offered. Examples of visits, considerations of your health and safety, and suggestions of report format are provided in the unit handbook.
If visits are impacted, advice will be offered on rescheduling or seeking suitable alternatives as required. Should plans for the visit need to change, advice will be offered on how any subsequent report may need to be adapted or restructured.
Tasks which count towards your mark (summative)
Visit and report – visit (must complete), report 100% (ILOs 1-4)
When assessment does not go to plan
Where needed, an alternative supplementary opportunity will be offered to complete the visit and submit the report.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ANATM0002).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
