STS 4650 - Advanced Topics in Clinical Ethics

(crosslisted) BSOC 4650
(CA-AS)

Spring. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: STS 2051 or permission of instructor.

K. Overby.

This is an advanced course in biomedical ethics. Students will use their knowledge and analytical skills to explore complex value-laden issues in contemporary healthcare and health policy debate. Current stories in the news and case studies will springboard discussion around topics such as the changing professional-patient relationship, evolving care delivery systems, decision-making at the beginning and the end of life, emerging biomedical technologies, and the healthcare experience of marginalized and vulnerable populations. Discussions will also emphasize the importance of contextual issues and vantage point in creating and resolving disputes at both the individual and societal levels, as well as the interconnections between bedside ethical dilemmas and broader health system, health policy, and sociocultural/political issues. Readings will be selected from the popular press and healthcare, ethics, social science, and law literatures.