Minor Requirements

HEALTH & MEDICAL HUMANITIES MINOR Requirements

Introductory Course (3 credit hours)

Health/Medical Humanities is an interdisciplinary field that uses humanistic perspectives to understand health and healthcare. The humanities have the potential to teach us about the embodied human experience, including suffering, healing, well-being, and flourishing. As an introduction to the Minor in Health/Medical Humanities, this course employs a holistic and integrated understanding of what it means to be human, in contrast to what has been called “biomedical reductionism.” Introduces health and the body through multiple ways of knowing; students experience a holistic, “whole-body” approach to understanding the body. Moving through embodied knowing, heartful knowing, narrative knowing, critical knowing, cultural knowing, collaborative knowing, contemplative knowing, aesthetic knowing, empathetic knowing, social knowing, ethical knowing, and systematic knowing, students are moved through narrative, arts-based, humanities, social science, and dialogic ways of thinking to intentionally and variously use stories, poems, mediated images, cultural artifacts, and artwork; physical sensations and emotions; knowledge of culture, history, and society; and contemplation and dialogue to contribute to deep sensemaking and critical examination of what it means to be an embodied human.

Capstone Course (3 credit hours)

Students work independently with their advisor or other approved faculty member to create a specialized project emphasizing the student’s cumulative academic experience across the Health & Medical Humanities minor and other related coursework. Coursework typically includes portfolio preparation, a written report, and an oral report.

Elective Courses (12 credit hours)

Select from the following. If selecting a Topics Course from the list of electives below (e.g., AFRS 2050, AMST 3050), prior approval for the topic is required by the Program Director of Health & Medical Humanities.

Total = 18 Credit Hours

GRADE REQUIREMENTS

Students must attain an overall GPA of 2.0 in all coursework within the minor.


Declaring a MInor in Health & Medical Humanities

Students can add the HHUM minor at any point. However, you must complete the form here with your name, major/minor, GPA, and student ID to start the declaration process. You are also encouraged to schedule a Zoom meeting with Dr. Quinlan via email.

If you are interested in discussing or declaring the minor, please get in touch with Dr. Margaret Quinlan, HHUM Director. A 15-minute advising appointment with the advisor or director is encouraged before declaring the minor. Advisors in other units cannot declare this minor for you.

Contact: Dr. Margaret Quinlan quinlan.margaret@charlotte.edu


DOUBLE MINOR IN GERONTOLOGY

Why choose to double minor?

  • Double minoring in Health and Medical Humanities & Gerontology can be a highly beneficial choice for students. Minoring in Gerontology equips students with knowledge about the aging population, geriatric care, and the specific needs and challenges faced by older adults.
  • This combined expertise enhances their career prospects, making them well-equipped to work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, research institutes, or advocacy organizations focused on aging populations.
  • Ultimately, this interdisciplinary approach creates a well-rounded educational foundation and increases students’ potential to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.
  • Knowledge of Gerontology and Health & Medical Humanities can make you a valuable candidate in various healthcare and aging-related careers. Possible career opportunities include healthcare administration, social work, policy, and communication.

If you are interested in double minoring, you can read more about the gerontology program through this link.