Module 3: Summary and Reflection Essay-Safe Assign
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Summary and Reflection Rubric.pdf (109.229 KB)
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Overview:
“Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Verghese is a compelling narrative that intricately weaves the elements of culture, medicine, and the complexities of family relationships across continents from India to Ethiopia and finally to the United States. The novel explores the lives of twin brothers, Marion and Shiva Stone, born from a secret union between a British surgeon and an Indian nun in an Ethiopian mission hospital. As the twins grow, their paths diverge and converge in unexpected ways, mirroring the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals in diverse cultural settings. Through their journey, Verghese delves into the intricacies of global health, the impact of cultural heritage on medical practices, and the universal quest for identity and belonging.
Essay Prompt:
Reflect on how “Cutting for Stone” portrays the intersection of culture, health, and personal identity. In your essay, consider the following questions:
Cultural Context and Health: How does the cultural backdrop of Ethiopia influence the healthcare practices and beliefs depicted in the novel? Discuss specific instances where cultural beliefs either complement or clash with medical practices. How do these interactions affect the characters’ decisions and the outcomes of medical treatments?
Global Health Perspectives: The novel spans several countries, offering a glimpse into the healthcare landscapes of Ethiopia, India, and the United States. Compare and contrast the healthcare challenges and ethical dilemmas faced in these settings. How do the settings influence the approach to medical care and the doctor-patient relationship?
Reflection: Drawing on your own cultural background and any experiences you may have with the healthcare system, reflect on how cultural perspectives on health can both enrich and complicate medical practice. Can you identify any parallels between your experiences and those depicted in “Cutting for Stone”?
Guidelines:
Your essay should be between 500 words.
Use specific examples from the novel to support your analysis and reflections.
While focusing on the primary text, you may also incorporate relevant scholarly sources on global health, cultural competency in medicine, or literary analyses of the novel.
Conclude your essay with a discussion on the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in global health initiatives and medical practice.
This essay is an opportunity to explore the multifaceted relationship between culture, health, and personal identity through the lens of “Cutting for Stone”. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges in global health, encouraging critical thinking and empathy towards diverse cultural perspectives in the medical field.
Optional Essay Assignment: Article Summary and Reflection on Culture and Health
Assignment Overview:
For this assignment, you are required to select one of the articles provided for this week’s readings on the theme of culture and health. Your task is to write an insightful essay that begins with a concise summary of the chosen article, followed by a reflective analysis. This essay should be a minimum of 500 words and must demonstrate your ability to critically engage with the article’s content, particularly how it relates to the interplay between cultural contexts and health outcomes.
Writing the Summary:
Begin your essay with a summary of the selected article. A summary is a distilled explanation of the article’s main ideas, arguments, and conclusions. It should be neutral, focusing on the article’s content rather than your opinions about it. For guidance on summarizing, refer to the resources provided in Module 2 and the following links:
Washington State University: Guidelines for Writing a Summary https://public.wsu.edu/~mejia/Summary.htm
Colorado State University: Writing Effective Summaries https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=30
In your summary, aim to capture the essence of the article in a few paragraphs: What is the primary focus? What are the key points raised by the author? How does the article contribute to our understanding of culture and health?
Writing the Reflection:
After the summary, transition to your reflective analysis. This section is your opportunity to engage personally and critically with the article. Reflect on the following aspects:
Expectations: Describe your initial expectations before reading the article. What did you anticipate learning or discovering? How did the article’s focus on culture and health align with or differ from your expectations?
Reactions and Feelings: Share your immediate reactions and feelings upon reading the article. Were you surprised, challenged, or affirmed by the information presented? Consider why the article evoked these reactions in you.
Analysis and Examples: Dive deeper into your analysis of the article by incorporating specific examples from the text. How do the author’s arguments or findings relate to the broader theme of culture and health? Reflect on any connections to your own experiences or observations about how cultural factors influence health behaviors and outcomes.
Conclusions: Summarize the conclusions you drew from reading the article. Why did you come to these conclusions? How has the article influenced your understanding of the relationship between culture and health?
Organizational Coherence: Ensure that your essay is well-organized, with a clear progression from summary to reflection. Your thoughts should be presented logically, leading the reader through your process of engagement with the article.
Guidelines:
– Your essay should be a minimum of 500 words.
– Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively.
– Support your reflection with specific examples from the article.
– Maintain a respectful and analytical tone throughout the essay.
– Follow APA formatting and citation guidelines
This assignment is an opportunity to explore the complex interactions between cultural practices and health. It encourages you to think critically about the ways in which culture influences health behaviors and outcomes, and to reflect on the implications of these influences for global health initiatives and policies.
