BETH 315E/415E
Leading Changes in Health: Bioethics and Positive Leadership in Birmingham, England
Spring Break 2027*
This course is a Spring 2027 semester registration. The course is currently under the approval process.
This course is open to ALL undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students from any discipline. There are no prerequisites, no language requirements, no major/minor requirements.
This course is in the process of being approved to count for UGER as follows: Arts and Humanities, Moral and Ethical Reasoning, and Local and Global Engagement Perspectives.
Course Description
This faculty-led study abroad course explores how ethical leadership can flourish in today’s complex healthcare environments. Students will first engage analytic concepts and principles from bioethics and medical humanities to understand the deeply cultural and value-driven dimensions of healthcare practice and organization. They will then draw on two innovative leadership frameworks: Christopher Pietroni’s narrative- and systems-based approach (developed at the University of Birmingham’s Leadership Institute), and Frank Barrett’s jazz-inspired model of adaptive improvisation.
Students will examine how compelling stories, shared meaning-making, and a deep awareness of systemic dynamics can build trust, foster empathy, and inspire collective action in healthcare teams. In parallel, the course explores Barrett’s principles of “affirmative competence” and improvisational collaboration as tools for navigating uncertainty, responding to crises, and cultivating moral resilience.
Through case studies, simulations, and reflective writing, students will learn to integrate narrative framing with improvisational thinking to address ethical challenges while maintaining compassion and integrity. Emphasis will be placed on distributed leadership, where responsibility and authority are shared, and on creating environments where diverse voices are valued in decision-making.
Birmingham provides an ideal living laboratory for this work. As one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Europe, Birmingham’s National Health Services (NHS) faces acute and visible challenges of health inequality, cultural competence, and adaptive leadership. Afternoon field experiences bring theoretical concepts into direct contact with the city’s communities, arts, and health infrastructure.
Course Dates (confirmed)
Pre-travel class sessions
Sat, January 30, 9 am - 12 pm
Sat, February 20, 9 am - 12 pm
Sat, February 27, 10-11am by Zoom
In-country course dates
Sunday, March 7- Friday, March 12, 2027
Lodging dates
Saturday, March 6- Sunday, March14, 2027
Post-travel class sessions
Sat, March 20, 10-11am by Zoom
Cost for Spring Break 2027
- $2850 (including deposit)
- $250 deposit due with study abroad application
- Remaining program fee (2$600) billed to CWRU student bill
Program fees cover lodging, breakfast, course-related transportation, speaker fees, etc.
Program fees do not cover flight, tuition, additional meals, passport or VISA fees, and activities or transportation outside of course.
Email Questions to bioethics@case.edu
Application Information
Deadline to apply is Friday, January 22, 2027. Spots are filled at a first come, first serve basis, so the course could close our before the deadline.
To apply students must complete the following:
- Complete the pre-decision application for the course through the Office of Education Abroad.
- Interview with the Director of Bioethics Study Abroad, Dr. Leah Jeunnette on Zoom or in-person.
- Pay your $250 non-refundable deposit after your meeting.
After completing Steps 1-3, students may request permission and register for the course in SIS.
*Courses are subject to cancellation due to low student enrollment, health and safety concerns, or other extenuating circumstances. The Director of Bioethics Study Abroad will communicate with students regarding any changes.