Innovative assessment methods as a pathway to public engagement: A case study of Literature & Medicine

ABSTRACT This article argues that in order to encourage English graduates to expand their horizons, educators should diversify the range of assessments and offer greater opportunities for public engagement. Through a detailed analysis of the final-year elective, Literature & Medicine, the authors explore the ways in which the design and implementation of innovative assessment methods – concept mapping, graphic medicine, and creative projects – can result in diverse and vibrant work that demonstrates our students’ ability to contribute in a meaningful way to societal issues. We then show the ways in which collaboration with external partners such as hospitals, charities, and arts organisations can establish a sustainable public-engagement agenda and develop further opportunities for both research and teaching. Crucially, the assessment methods and pathways to public engagement are not limited to a particular discipline and can be adopted in a variety of international contexts.