Medical Humanities
School
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
School Interim Dean
Department
English Literature and Language
Department Chair
Medical Humanities Major
Medical Humanities at St. Mary’s University is an interdisciplinary program that addresses health care challenges through a humanistic lens. By integrating humanities with the sciences, this program fosters empathy, cultural competence and ethical insight in health care contexts. Aligned with our Catholic and Marianist mission, the program prepares students to comfort the afflicted, advocate for equitable health care, and lead with compassion and justice.
With two distinct tracks, Health Humanities and Healthcare Management, students can tailor their studies to align with career goals in allied health, patient advocacy, health communication or health care law. The program’s core curriculum ensures students graduate with both a strong academic foundation and marketable skills.
MH 1301. Intro to Medical Humanities. 3 Semester Hours.
An introductory course on terms, concepts, and principles in the medical humanities. Fall.
MH 2301. Narrative Medicine. 3 Semester Hours.
Students will learn the role of stories and storytelling in healthcare contexts. Students will learn to interpret and respond to patients' stories and
experiences, improving their active listening abilities and fostering empathy. The course covers narrative competence, emphasizing the relational and
narrative dimensions of illness and healthcare. Spring.
MH 3301. Research Methods in Medical Humanities. 3 Semester Hours.
An advanced study of methodology within medical humanities, particularly perspectives from narrative medicine, ethnography, age studies, disabilities
studies, and digital health humanities. Fall.
MH 3302. Health and Culture. 3 Semester Hours.
This course explores the impact of cultural beliefs and practices on health, illness, and medical care. The course examines cross-cultural perspectives
on health and the role of cultural competence in healthcare. Students will develop skills to navigate and respect diverse cultural contexts in healthcare
settings. Spring.
MH 4301. Contemporary Issues in Health and Medicine. 3 Semester Hours.
Students will examine current challenges and ethical dilemmas in healthcare. Topics include healthcare policy, emerging medical technologies, public health crises, and disparities in healthcare access. Students will develop critical analysis skills to navigate and address these contemporary issues.
MH 4302. Senior Seminar in Medical Humanities. 3 Semester Hours.
This course provides an integrative experience for students to synthesize their learning. The seminar focuses on critical thinking, interdisciplinary analysis, and professional development in medical humanities.
MH 4395. Medical Humanities Internship. 3 Semester Hours.
This course reinforces academic work by providing students with a range of opportunities for pre-professional experience. Internships must follow University and College guidelines.