Objectives:
By the end of the month each student will:
1.  Read 4 required readings that focus on issues around the meaning of life;
2.  Participate in a twice weekly small group discussion on these readings
3.  Choose a topic of a student’s choice and research it for the best medical evidence
4.  Present to group some project of each student’s choosing that represents the findings of their research.

Elective Description : This class will focus four short literary works that focus on life and its meaning.  Using these readings as a backdrop, the learner will participate in a small discussion group to help explore how the lives cared for by physicians are lived and ended in relation to the care they receive.  This group will meet for a half day on Monday and Thursdays.  Additionally, each student will choose a topic in their area of interest for independent research.  A goal and series of objectives will be written by the student based upon this topic.  Each student will also choose how they wish to present this research.  Options will include a PowerPoint presentation to the group, writing a medical abstract, or some other representation of their work.  Journaling of their experiences will be encouraged.

Potential readings may include:  The Bridge of the San Luis Rey, by Thornton Wilder, Why Bad Things Happen to Good People, by Harold Kushner, Lake Wobegon Days, Garrison Keillor

Evaluation:   Each student will be evaluated based upon their participation in their small group and upon the completion of the objectives set for their independent study.