Medical Humanities (Minor)
Medical Humanities (Minor)
Program Description
With knowledge of humanistic methodologies and disciplines, students will be able to bring a creative and holistic approach to the study of medicine and health and will demonstrate awareness of how the health sciences are called to answer fundamental human problems.
The medical humanities program focuses on health and wellness in the greater context of the human experience to develop students’ understanding of health issues as human issues that are not necessarily scientific ones. This interdisciplinary minor draws from all the disciplines of the Humanities. The medical humanities minor will benefit students planning careers in medicine and related healthcare fields by grounding them in many of the core competencies defined by the American Association of Medical Colleges.
Medical humanities is open to students who have a declared major in nursing, sciences, physical and occupational therapy, health sciences, or pre-health programs.
Learning Outcomes
- Written and oral communication skills
- Critical and creative thinking to form the flexibility necessary in the health professions
- Students will develop an understanding of ethical responsibility
- Cultural competency as defined by AAMC by developing their understanding of socio-cultural factors that affect interactions and behaviors
- Engage diverse perspectives as a resource for learning
Course Map
Experiences
The minor's one-credit hour capstone is experiential. Students may choose either TA 3210 which uses simulation to train students in the role of patient or MH 4000 for which students will complete service hours at a health-care related organization.
Outcomes
The medical humanities minor is beneficial to students preparing for medical school as well as those preparing for other careers in healthcare, including patient advocacy, physical and occupational therapy, nursing, and health care administration, and music and art therapy.
The medical humanities minor is part of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies.
