Narrative Medicine
Narrative medicine humanizes healthcare by training you to listen to the stories of human beings: stories from patients, the healthcare team, and the cultures and systems in which they live. A minor in narrative medicine from the University of St. Thomas will prepare you to communicate across cultures with empathy and compassion.
Why Study Narrative Medicine at St. Thomas?
The Narrative Medicine minor is designed to improve the quality of care for patients and to deepen your empathy and understanding as a healthcare professional. This program will complement your pre-health sciences curriculum with a set of four courses in literature, creative writing, professional writing and communication. With smart planning, this four-course (16-credit) minor will also fulfill core requirements.
Communicate With Compassion
Course Requirements
The narrative medicine minor consists of 16 credits. 4 credits will be completed via ENGL 230: Narrative Medicine. The remaining 12 credits will earned via courses in Literature, Creative Writing, Professional Writing, and Communication Studies.
Four-Year-Plan
Required: ENGL 230: Narrative Medicine (4 credits, IH)
Plus 12 credits form the following Recommended Distribution Areas:
Literature
- ENGL 217 Multicultural Literature (IH, DISJ)
- ENGL 218 Literature by Women: Critical History (IH)
- ENGL 337 Literature of Human Diversity
- ENGL 341 Literature by Women: Critical Questions (IH, DISJ)
Creative Writing
- ENGL 255 Introduction to Creative Writing (FA)
Professional Writing
- ENGL 317 Writing for Health & Human Sciences (SW)
Communication Studies
- COMM 220 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 242 Health Communication
COMM 328 Communication of Race, Class, & Gender (DISJ)
COMM 370 Intercultural Communication (IH, GP)
Other courses may be substituted for the courses listed above with approval of the chair of English and Communication Studies.
Many of the courses in the narrative medicine minor fulfill both minor and core curriculum requirements in Integrations in the Humanities (IH); Diversity, Inclusion, & Social Justice (DISJ); Global Perspectives (GP), Fine Arts (FA), and Signature Work (SW).
Degrees Awarded
Minor in Narrative Medicine
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
The narrative medicine minor consists of 16 credits. 4 credits will be completed via ENGL 230: Narrative Medicine. The remaining 12 credits will earned via courses in Literature, Creative Writing, Professional Writing, and Communication Studies.
Four-Year-Plan
Four-Year-Plan
Required: ENGL 230: Narrative Medicine (4 credits, IH)
Plus 12 credits form the following Recommended Distribution Areas:
Literature
- ENGL 217 Multicultural Literature (IH, DISJ)
- ENGL 218 Literature by Women: Critical History (IH)
- ENGL 337 Literature of Human Diversity
- ENGL 341 Literature by Women: Critical Questions (IH, DISJ)
Creative Writing
- ENGL 255 Introduction to Creative Writing (FA)
Professional Writing
- ENGL 317 Writing for Health & Human Sciences (SW)
Communication Studies
- COMM 220 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 242 Health Communication
COMM 328 Communication of Race, Class, & Gender (DISJ)
COMM 370 Intercultural Communication (IH, GP)
Other courses may be substituted for the courses listed above with approval of the chair of English and Communication Studies.
Many of the courses in the narrative medicine minor fulfill both minor and core curriculum requirements in Integrations in the Humanities (IH); Diversity, Inclusion, & Social Justice (DISJ); Global Perspectives (GP), Fine Arts (FA), and Signature Work (SW).
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
Minor in Narrative Medicine
Featured Faculty
![Dr. Amy Muse headshot](https://cas.stthomas.edu/_media-library/_images/english/1200x1200/stthomas-cas-faculty-amy-muse.jpg)
Dr. Amy Muse
Professor Amy Muse teaches and writes about drama and theatre, and conducts research that examines the ways in which playwrights create experiences that help us get close, care about one another, and feel more alive. Dr. Muse's books include The Drama and Theatre of Sarah Ruhl and The Drama and Theatre of Annie Baker.
Dr. Muse teaches courses that explore drama and mental health, literature and medicine, and understandings of love, relationships, emotion, and the body — from ancient and early modern literature (Euripides, Shakespeare) to what's on stage today.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.