“FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON” DOCTORS’ JOURNALS

Entry #1  In a couple of paragraphs, introduce yourself. You may invent a different persona. Also, tell why you became a neuroscientist. What intrigued you about this profession? What do you hope to learn from this profession?

Entry #2 (page 190-top of 192)  Describe your patient – Charlie.  Your diagnosis of the patient  Describe the first “test” of the ink blots.

Entry #3  Discuss who Algernon is and the effect on Charlie’s life  Discuss the different diagnoses (viewpoints) of the doctors and Miss Kinnian  Formulate your own diagnosis. Would you recommend him?

Entry #4  Log in your observations about Charlie before, during, and a few days after the surgery  Was it successful in your professional opinion?

Entry # 5 (March 25-April 18)  How is your patient progressing?  What techniques or interventions are you using to increase his intelligence? (use text)  What do Charlie’s progress reports about his job situation reveal about his nature?

Entry #6 (April 20 – April 25)  Explain Charlie’s relationships with the people in his life. How have they changed?

Entry #7 (April 27 – May 18)  Take note of three changes with Charlie since your last entry. Do you approve of these changes? Why or why not?

Entry #8 (May 20 – May 29)  How is Charlie’s increasing intelligence affecting him negatively? Positively?  What is his resolve after the incident with the dish boy? What is your professional opinion of his qualifications to do this?

Entry #9  What is the progression (or regression) of Charlie’s symptoms?  What are your personal thoughts on the matter?

Entry #10  What is the conclusion of the experiment? Will future experiments be done? Will you be involved?  What are the moral implications of this experiment? Was it morally fair to allow Charlie to partake in this experiment? Defend your reasoning.