RELG 2650

If you think that this class is going to be primarily application of ethics to healthcare-related issues, then you'd be wrong. Since it is in the religion department, there is much more emphasis on general principles and the background of each religion. We did not cover any sort of application of controversial healthcare issues (like abortion, end-of-life care, physician-assisted suicide, etc.) until after spring break. Additionally, there is so much reading for this class and the majority of it is incredibly dense and boring. I would find myself reading an entire passage and not be able to explain at all what was happening or what the key ideas of it were. Besides the reading, there is not much to do outside of class. I will say though that, if you decide to take this class, make sure to start making a study guide early because there are so many terms that need to be known for the exams. James Henry is a very monotone lecturer, so actually paying attention during class was quite difficult. The discussion section is not bad; however, if you can avoid taking this class, I would.

The content and reading for this class were very thought provoking. There was a lot of it though, but just do it anyway. I don't know if it was just me or if its the nature of the class/department, but some of Professor Henry's language was very abstract and I found myself confused sometimes on what the expectations were in regards to the exams/essay. Professor Henry and the TA team were very accommodating and welcoming of all perspectives. All of the needed material was provided on a very well organized interactive syllabus. Overall, would recommend. #tCFspring2022

This is a really good class to take if you are interested in the influence of religion on medical ethics and policy. As a Pre-Med this was a really good easy A class that actually taught me relevant information. It is very conversational and allows the student to explore and make choices on their own. The professor is very hands off (a good and a bad thing depending on the type of student you are). Grading is done by weekly discussion posts, 1 midterm, 1 essay, and a final. Very much a class I would recommend to anyone who wants to be a more well rounded person in regards to ethics and healthcare. #tCFspring2022

Professor Henry was simply the best! I loved the format of the class--recorded lectures with live discussion sections. There is quite a bit of reading, but it was always thought-provoking and forced me to break free of my own biases. The class was super accessible (only have to purchase the textbook and one other book--the rest are provided on an interactive syllabus that is clear and organized very nicely). Also, he is incredibly student-focused. He cares about his students, their growth, and their success, and ultimately just wants to see you engaging with the materials. He was always incredibly kind, willing to work with us, wanted to hear our opinions, and was willing to make adjustments when we supported valid points about the course. That is rare to find in a professor and was so refreshing. The subject matter is not easy by any means, but I was always eager to attend class because I knew the professor was there to support us and help in any way he could. There are short discussion posts each week, one longer essay, a midterm and a final (you get points for participation and there are a variety of ways to go about earning them!). Overall, you will get out of this class exactly what you put in. I couldn't recommend this course or this professor any more. It has been my favorite so far during my time at UVA and left me with an ethical foundation/perspective that I will likely carry forever.