By Corey Krajewski
Opinion Editor
Starting in January 2017, students will have the chance to take Clare 304, The Good Life: International Medical Ethics, over a two week span in Perugia, Italy.
The class will concentrate on medical ethics, especially in regards to modern issues in both the United States and Italy. The program, led by Michael Chiarello, Ph.D., is a collaboration between St. Bonaventure and the Romeyne Robert and Uguccione Sorbello Foundation.
“Italy is a good point of comparison because there are genuine philosophical differences at work there: the historic influence of the Catholic Church and the strong opposition by feminists and secular liberals,” Chiarello said.
Students will spend the first two weeks of the calendar year in Perugia, Italy, where semester-long and summertime study abroad opportunities are already offered.
Chiarello says the focus of the course will be on policy formation in the face of various controversial medical issues.
“In Italy, currently there is a public discussion of assisted reproduction technology, in vitro fertilization, surrogacy and marriage equality,” said Chiarello, mentioning topical issues that would bear relevance to the class.
Chiarello says the course is meant to appeal to students interested in future careers in law and healthcare.
Bianca Georgakopolous, a junior health and human nature major said, “There is a lot of value in taking medical ethics since it can teach future physicians and medical professionals how to effectively assess an ethical dilemma.”
The curriculum for the course will include guest speakers involved in Italian public health, as well as focus on the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
Other aspects of the course include comprehensive readings comparing policy on public health issues in Italy and the United States.
“Experiences like these shape and inspire individuals, and I think this class will be of great value to students who are interested in learning about European healthcare and how to deal with ethical situation,” Georgakopolous said.
The expected cost of the class is around $2500, which covers housing, two meals per day, local transportation and special events.
krajewcj11@bonaventure.edu
