Jefferson Humanities & Health supports student engagement in the arts and humanities to promote essential skills related to healthcare including close observation, critical thinking, communication and empathy.
Throughout the year, our programs highlight the social contexts of health and wellness, lived experiences of diverse individuals and communities, and self-care for health professionals.
Each academic year, Jefferson Humanities & Health explores a thought-provoking theme from a wide range of perspectives. During the 2020-2021 academic year, the Jefferson Humanities Forum speaker series will bring a handful of multidisciplinary scholars and thinkers to investigate the theme Creativity.
Throughout the year, forum events will explore aspects of Creativity as it relates to non-conformity, equity, connection/care, collaboration, and persistence/resilience. Learn more about the Jefferson Humanities Forum here.
Submit art and/or prose to Inside Out, student-run literary & arts journal
All Jefferson students and medical residents are invited to submit visual art (paintings, drawings, photographs and more), poetry and prose for publication in the annual student-run literary and arts journal, Inside Out.
Upload works to Submittable by the submission deadline of February 1, 2021, for consideration. Learn more and check out last year's issue here.
Register for the 2020-21 Asano Humanities & Health Certificate
Attention: Registration is still open for the 2020-21 Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, a co-curricular program that rewards sustained engagement in arts and humanities activities throughout the academic year. All Jefferson students are invited to complete the certificate by attending eight (8) Jefferson Humanities & Health events and completing a reflection portfolio of four (4) reflection prompts.
Events that are eligible for Asano credit will be marked with an astericks (*) on the event calendar below. If you would like to receive Asano Certificate credit for attending an event, please email Matilda Ostow, Humanities Program Coordinator, to confirm your attendance.
Call for student artwork for "Embracing Our Diversity: This Is Us" (early deadline) - January 15*
Call for artwork for "Embracing Our Diversity: This Is Us"
Early deadline: Friday, January 15, 2021.
Learn more about the guidelines and how to submit in the Division of Student Affairs Canvas Hub.
In past years, the Office of Student Life and Engagement has hosted an annual Identity Day event featuring a “Tunnel of Oppression.” The Tunnel highlighted the experience of oppressed groups through the use of images and text. This year, we are asking for student participation to create a “Tunnel of Expression” showcasing the complexity of our individual and collective identities, which will be featured at our upcoming "Embracing Our Diversity: This Is Us" event. The purpose of this event will be to reflect the diversity that is present at Jefferson and raise awareness of the authenticity of the lives and experiences of diverse students in the Jefferson community.
All Jefferson students are invited to create and submit a work of art that:
a) reflects how you feel the world sees you based on one or more of your identities
OR
b) reflects what makes you proud about one or more of your identities (i.e., gender, race, ethnicity, religion, physical ability, sexuality orientation, etc.)
Artists will be recognized and submissions will be featured at an opening reception in March.
Deadlines
Early submission deadline: Friday, January 15, 2021. Enter by this deadline for a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card.
Final submission deadline: Friday, February 12, 2021. Last opportunity to submit, for a chance to win one of several $50 Visa gift cards.
For more information, including submission guidelines, view the listing in the Division of Student Affairs Canvas Hub.
Questions? Contact StudentLife@jefferson.edu.
Sponsored by the Office of Student Life and Engagement, Student Counseling Center and Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Campus Engagement.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after submitting your work.
DocNights: Born to Be Virtual Talkback and Q&A - January 19*
Tuesday, January 19, 7-8 p.m.
Register for the virtual Q&A and discussion via Zoom here
Reserve a free ticket to view the film before the event here
Free and open to the public
Join us for the second DocNights event of this year: a virtual talkback and Q&A about the documentary Born to Be, with the film’s director, Tania Cypriano.
About the film
Born to Be follows the work of Dr. Jess Ting, a plastic surgeon at the groundbreaking Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery in New York City—where all transgender and non-binary people have access to quality transition-related health and surgical care. With extraordinary access, this feature-length documentary takes an intimate look at how one doctor’s work impacts the lives of his patients as well as how his journey from renowned plastic surgeon to pioneering gender-affirming surgeon has led to his own transformation.
Born to Be gives voice to those who refuse to conform to the gender norms and stereotypes. The film addresses the nuances and complexities of gender, exploring key issues around the human right to define gender for oneself. Through the transitions of Dr. Ting’s patients, we witness the joys and torments that come with this brand-new territory—even as we see the limitations of Dr. Ting’s renowned surgical skills, and his commitment to his new field being tested.
Born to Be director Tania Cypriano will join us via Zoom for a talkback and Q&A. Moderator to be announced soon.
View the film
Registering through Eventbrite gives you access to the virtual Q&A and film talkback on Tuesday, January 19, 7-8pm. A separate registration is required if you wish to watch the film, on your own time, leading up to the event. Reserve a free ticket at: https://tiny.cc/borntobefilm. The film will be available for viewing from Wednesday, January 13-Wednesday, January 20.
About the series
DocNights is a collaboration between Jefferson, Philadelphia Film Society and William Way LGBT Community Center that showcases four documentaries about diverse issues that members of the LGBTQ+ community experience every day.
Co-sponsored by Jefferson Humanities & Health and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, Sidney Kimmel Medical College.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after the event.
Drum It Out with Josh Robinson - January 25*
Monday, January 25, 5-6 p.m., Zoom (register here)
Free and open for Jefferson students, faculty, and staff.
Percussionist and Humanities artist-in-residence Josh Robinson invites you to "Drum It Out!" This interactive, virtual workshop uses drumming as a coping tool, a vehicle for healthy expression and emotional release, and a fun way to connect with others in an authentic and engaging way. A pair of drumsticks will be available for pick-up leading up to the workshop. Alternatively, participants can use found objects such as wooden spoons, dowels to make noise on buckets or trash bins.
About the facilitator: Josh Robinson is a professional percussionist, teaching artist, and drum facilitator. He has been a visiting instructor in the Humanities at Thomas Jefferson University for the past four years and is in his second year as the Humanities artist-in-residence. For the past 19 years, Josh has used his skills, expertise, and life experience to share drumming and the many gifts it brings with thousands of people each year around the country.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after the event.
JeffX Global Health Conference - January 27*
JeffX Global Health Conference: The Impact of Crises on Vulnerable Populations
Wednesday, January 27, 4-7 p.m., register here
Free and open to Jefferson students, faculty, and staff
The Global Health Student Consortium is excited to announce the 3rd annual JEFFx Global Health Conference. This year's conference will center around the impact of crises on vulnerable populations, and will include a keynote address from Dr. Ronak Patel, Director of the Urbanization and Resilience Program at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. Dr. Patel’s work focuses primarily on the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid urbanization for the health and well-being of vulnerable populations and for humanitarian crises. His research focuses on exposing and disaggregating cumulative risks and developing tools and interventions to mitigate these risks to health and development. Following the keynote, we’ll have interactive panel discussions focusing on a range of topics from trauma-informed care to refugee health.
Questions? Reach out to the Global Health Student Consortium at ghsc@jefferson.edu.
Register to receive the Zoom link for this virtual conference.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after the event.
Drawing to Decompress with Dr. Nazanin Moghbeli - January 27*
Drawing to Decompress with Dr. Nazanin Moghbeli
Wednesday, January 27, 5-6:30 p.m., Zoom (register here)
Free and open to Jefferson students, faculty, and staff
Explore the ways in which a drawing practice can bring balance to your healthcare studies or career. Artist and cardiologist Nazanin Moghbeli, MD, FACC, uses art to inspire, decompress, and deepen curiosity about the human body and medicine. Join Dr. Moghbeli for a workshop that will build on this wisdom to expand participants’ observational skills, promote self-care, and encourage burnout prevention. All drawing abilities and experiences are welcome! This workshop will discuss basic drawing techniques, composition, subject matter, three-dimensionality, and tips for forming a daily sketchbook practice.
Materials will be available for pick-up prior to the workshop, including: a small sketchbook and portable pocket version, drawing pencils, eraser, and two printed images.
About the facilitator: Nazanin Moghbeli, MD, FACC is an Iranian-American artist and cardiologist, and the director of the Cardiac Care Unit at Einstein Medical Center.
See Dr. Moghbeli's work featured in Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth's Literary and Art Journal here, or more on her website here.
Register through Eventbrite to receive a Zoom link for this virtual program.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after the event.
Health Humanities Reading Group - February 1*
Health Humanities Reading Group
Monday, February 1, 12-1 p.m., Zoom (registration and readings in Canvas, see instructions below)
Free and open to Jefferson students, faculty, and staff
Readings: To be announced.
About HHRG: The Health Humanities Reading Group gathers weekly to think critically about health as it is understood through various disciplinary perspectives, social contexts and value systems. This ongoing program is open to students, faculty and staff, and offers an informal learning environment facilitated by participants. Participants are expected to read, and come prepared to discuss, the text selected for each session.
To access the readings and registration link, participants may self-enroll in the Jefferson Humanities & Health organization on Canvas, or email Megan Voeller, and visit the Health Humanities Reading Group page in the Ongoing Programs module.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after the event.
Creative Approaches to Self Care: Relaxation - February 8*
Creative Approaches to Self Care: Relaxation
Monday, February 8, 5-6 p.m., Zoom (register here)
Free and open to Jefferson students
This session aims to use movement to promote feelings of relaxation by exploring how breathing, moving, and imagery can reduce stress levels and enhance well-being. Instructor: Emily Nussdorfer, ADTR
About the Creative Approaches to Self Care workshop series:
In order to care effectively for others, we must first learn to care for ourselves. This interdisciplinary series, led collaboratively by three creative arts therapists and a poet, is designed to engage students in self-care practices that promote healthy stress management and burnout prevention. Workshops will address topics including how to cope with stress and anxiety, cultivate relaxation techniques, find balance and develop self-compassion.
Co-presented with the Student Counseling Center (SCC).
Register through Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link for this virtual workshop.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after the event.
Anne Basting with Moore College of Art & Design - February 9*
Art and Care with Anne Basting
Tuesday, February 9, 6-7:30 p.m., Zoom (register here)
Free and open to the public
Join us for a discussion about art and care with artist and scholar Anne Basting. For over 20 years, Basting has researched ways to infuse the arts into care settings with a particular focus on people with cognitive disabilities like dementia.
This free and virtual event is part of Moore College of Art & Design's ongoing Conversations@Moore public program series, organized by the Graduate Studies programs in Socially Engaged Art.
This program has been funded in part by a grant from the Lindback Foundation and is Co-Presented with Thomas Jefferson University's Humanities & Health Program & Art is Essential, A Project of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority’s Fund for Art and Civic Engagement with support from the Knight Foundation.
About Anne Basting
Basting is an artist, scholar, and educator committed to the power of the arts and culture to transform our lives as individuals and communities. She is Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and founder and President of the award-winning non-profit TimeSlips.
Basting's innovative work as both a community-engaged artist and a scholar has been recognized by a MacArthur Fellowship, an Ashoka Fellowship, a Rockefeller Fellowship, and multiple major grants. She is author/editor of multiple books, including her latest, Creative Care (HarperOne, 2020); as well as The Penelope Project (U of Iowa), and Forget Memory (Johns Hopkins). TimeSlips fosters an alliance of artists and caregivers bringing meaning and joy to late life through creativity, and has over 900 certified facilitators in 48 states and 20 countries.
About Moore
Moore College of Art & Design educates students for careers in art and design. Founded in 1848, Moore is the nation's first and only women's visual arts college for undergraduates. The College's career-focused environment and professionally active faculty form a dynamic community in the heart of Philadelphia's cultural district, surrounded by world-class museums. The College offers eight bachelor of fine arts degrees for women and four coeducational graduate programs. In addition, Moore provides many valuable opportunities in the arts through The Galleries at Moore, Continuing Education Certificate programs for professional adults, the acclaimed Young Artists Workshop, The Art Shop and Sculpture Park. For more information about Moore, visit www.moore.edu.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after the event.
Health Humanities Reading Group with Anne Basting - February 10*
Health Humanities Reading Group with Anne Basting
Wednesday, February 10, 12-1 p.m., Zoom (registration to be announced)
Join us for a lunchtime discussion about art and care with artist, scholar, and TimeSlips founder Anne Basting. For over 20 years, Basting has researched ways to infuse the arts into care settings with a particular focus on people with cognitive disabilities like dementia. The group will discuss a chapter from Basting's new book, Creative Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care. Register through Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and a PDF of the book chapter prior to the session.
Open to students, faculty, and staff from Moore College of Art & Design Grad and BFA and Thomas Jefferson University.
Want more? Anne Basting will be joining Moore College of Art & Design's ongoing Conversations@Moore public program series on Monday, February 9, 6pm to discuss art and care. This free, virtual event is organized by the Graduate Studies programs in Socially Engaged Art.
About Anne Basting
Basting is an artist, scholar, and educator committed to the power of the arts and culture to transform our lives as individuals and communities. She is Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and founder and President of the award-winning non-profit TimeSlips.
Basting's innovative work as both a community-engaged artist and a scholar has been recognized by a MacArthur Fellowship, an Ashoka Fellowship, a Rockefeller Fellowship, and multiple major grants. She is author/editor of multiple books, including her latest, Creative Care (HarperOne, 2020); as well as The Penelope Project (U of Iowa), and Forget Memory (Johns Hopkins). TimeSlips fosters an alliance of artists and caregivers bringing meaning and joy to late life through creativity, and has over 900 certified facilitators in 48 states and 20 countries.
About HHRG: The Health Humanities Reading Group gathers weekly to think critically about health as it is understood through various disciplinary perspectives, social contexts and value systems. This ongoing program is open to students, faculty and staff, and offers an informal learning environment facilitated by participants. Participants are expected to read, and come prepared to discuss, the text selected for each session.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after the event.
Call for student artwork for "Embracing Our Diversity: This Is Us" (final deadline) - February 12*
Call for artwork for "Embracing Our Diversity: This Is Us"
Final deadline: Friday, February 12, 2021 (Last opportunity to submit, for a chance to win one of several $50 Visa gift cards!)
Learn more about the guidelines and how to submit in the Division of Student Affairs Canvas Hub.
In past years, the Office of Student Life and Engagement has hosted an annual Identity Day event featuring a “Tunnel of Oppression.” The Tunnel highlighted the experience of oppressed groups through the use of images and text. This year, we are asking for student participation to create a “Tunnel of Expression” showcasing the complexity of our individual and collective identities, which will be featured at our upcoming "Embracing Our Diversity: This Is Us" event. The purpose of this event will be to reflect the diversity that is present at Jefferson and raise awareness of the authenticity of the lives and experiences of diverse students in the Jefferson community.
All Jefferson students are invited to create and submit a work of art that:
a) reflects how you feel the world sees you based on one or more of your identities
OR
b) reflects what makes you proud about one or more of your identities (i.e., gender, race, ethnicity, religion, physical ability, sexuality orientation, etc.)
Artists will be recognized and submissions will be featured at an opening reception in March.
For more information, including submission guidelines, view the listing in the Division of Student Affairs Canvas Hub.
Questions? Contact StudentLife@jefferson.edu.
Sponsored by the Office of Student Life and Engagement, Student Counseling Center and Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Campus Engagement.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after submitting your work.
Health Humanities Reading Group - February 22*
Health Humanities Reading Group
Monday, February 22, 12-1 p.m., Zoom (registration and readings in Canvas, see instructions below)
Free and open to Jefferson students, faculty, and staff
Readings: To be announced.
About HHRG: The Health Humanities Reading Group gathers weekly to think critically about health as it is understood through various disciplinary perspectives, social contexts and value systems. This ongoing program is open to students, faculty and staff, and offers an informal learning environment facilitated by participants. Participants are expected to read, and come prepared to discuss, the text selected for each session.
To access the readings and registration link, participants may self-enroll in the Jefferson Humanities & Health organization on Canvas, or email Megan Voeller, and visit the Health Humanities Reading Group page in the Ongoing Programs module.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after the event.
Jefferson Humanities Forum: Julia Watson - February 22*
Jefferson Humanities Forum presents Julia Watson
Monday, February 22, 6-7 p.m., Zoom (register here)
Free and open to the public
Landscape designer and educator Julia Watson has conducted extensive research on indigenous ecological knowledges and innovations to reimagine technology towards a sustainable, climate-resilient design future. Her bestselling book, Lo-TEK: Design by Radical Indigenism, a global exploration of nature-based technology spanning 18 countries, has been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, Architectural Digest, and more. Regularly teaching at Harvard and Columbia University, Watson’s studio work involves landscape and urban design, along with public speaking and consulting with brands on sustainability. In her studio, she collaborates with a horticulturist as Watson Salembier, with a focus on rewilding, and has just completed the summer gardens for Rockefeller Center using a native plant palette inspired by the American meadow. Watson’s writing has been published widely and she has co-authored A Spiritual Guide to Bali’s UNESCO World Heritage. She’s a 2020 TED speaker, and a fellow of Summit REALITY, Pop!tech, & The Christensen Fund. Born in Australia, she regularly treks across the globe.
This event is co-sponsored by Jefferson Humanities & Health and the Jefferson College of Architecture & the Built Environment.
Each academic year, the Jefferson Humanities Forum explores a thought-provoking theme from a wide range of perspectives, inviting reflection and action around how we improve lives. During 2020-2021, the Jefferson Humanities Forum investigates the theme Creativity. This event and all Jefferson Humanities Forum events are free and open to the public.
Register through Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link for this virtual event.
*If you would like to receive credit for the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate, please email Humanities Program Coordinator Matilda Ostow (Matilda.Ostow@jefferson.edu) to confirm your attendance after the event.
*Events marked with an asterisk can be counted toward the Asano Humanities & Health Certificate for Jefferson students.
Please note: Events are added to the calendar as they are confirmed. Please check regularly for additional events.
Did you know that Jefferson Humanities & Health has a monthly newsletter? Get all the updates about programs, events, and features in your mailbox every month.
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.