Course description
In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a groundbreaking report, titled “What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being?: A scoping review.” While research on the relationship between arts and health outcomes has grown significantly in the 21st century, findings remain inconsistent and inconclusive. This course examines the potential mechanisms underlying the association between arts and health, and explores methodologies and research designs that can scientifically validate these relationships. Through critical review and structured debates, students will evaluate existing evidence and consider related policy implications.

Main Topics

1. Defining Arts and Health
2. Theoretical Mechanisms Linking Arts and Health
3. Research Methodologies and Study Designs
4. Prevention and Health Promotion Through Arts
5. Arts in Disease Management and Treatment
6. Evidence-Based Policy Implications

Teaching Methods
The course combines lectures and multimedia materials with interactive debates. Students will be assigned by lottery to one of three debate roles: affirmative teams will support resolutions, opposition teams will challenge resolutions, and judges will evaluate the quality of evidence, arguments, and overall debate performance. Required readings will be provided before each debate session, and winning teams will receive bonus points toward their final grade. Students will complete two written reports during the course: one midterm report and one final report.

Evaluation Methods

• Written reports (individual work): 60%
• Debate performance (group work): 30%
• Class participation: 10%

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, students will:

1. Understand the complex relationships between arts and health outcomes
2. Evaluate and interpret current research in the field
3. Apply critical thinking to arts and health policy development
4. Develop evidence-based solutions for real-world applications

Bibliography

1. Fancourt, D., Finn, S. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being?: A scoping review. Health Evidence Network synthesis report 67.
   https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289054553
2. Grossi, E., Tavano Blessi, G. & Sacco, P.L. (2019). Magic Moments: Determinants of Stress Relief and Subjective Wellbeing from Visiting a Cultural Heritage Site. Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry, 43, 4–24.
   https://doi.org/10.1007/s11013-018-9593-8
3. Selected academic articles and policy papers will be assigned throughout the course.

Last updated: March 30, 2026