Beyond Intensive Writing: Integrating Major Concepts with Literature in an Online Course Format

Abstract

Literature can be used to promote understanding of major core concepts while enhancing studentsââ¬â¢ reading and writing abilities. With creative foresight and careful book selection, this literature-based approach can be adopted for any department major or discipline, in either an online or face-to-face format. In the completely online course, Community Health and Literature (GCH 320), students read four novel-length books from a variety of genres that cover events of historical significance as well as modern day issues, which reinforce key concepts in public health. Weekly writing assignments are designed to cultivate the studentsââ¬â¢ skills in critical thinking and analysis as well as improve their writing capabilities. The course culminates in a Final Essay with an option for early submission for feedback and revisions. This workshop will include opportunities to discuss and brainstorm ways in which this approach can be implemented across a variety of disciplines.