Innovative Assessment Methods as a Pathway to Public Engagement: A Case Study of Literature & Medicine

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.