Program Overview
The Health Humanities B.A. at Syracuse University combines the sciences with humanities to foster an understanding of the cultural, historical, ethical, and social aspects of health and healthcare. It prepares students for human-centered challenges in health-related careers by offering training in basic bioethics and exploring topics like biomedical ethics, sociology of disability, and the influence of stress on health. The program emphasizes analytical writing, critical thinking, and undergraduate research, providing students with a strong foundation for further studies or careers in the health field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Health Humanities B.A. at Syracuse University aims to illuminate social factors impacting health outcomes. It offers training in basic bioethics and prepares students for human-centered challenges in health-related careers. The program focuses on topics like biomedical ethics, sociology of disability, and the influence of stress on health. This interdisciplinary curriculum combines the sciences with humanities to foster an understanding of the cultural, historical, ethical, and social aspects of health and healthcare.
Objectives:
- Bolster knowledge in cultural, historical, ethical, and social aspects relevant to health.
- Grasp the social determinants of health, including connections between poverty and health or race and health outcomes.
- Develop novel perspectives on disability and the impact of illness on individuals, enhancing empathy and tolerance for uncertainty—key skills in the health professions.
- Strengthen analytical writing and critical thinking abilities, applying them to health-related topics.
- Engage in undergraduate research and internships to apply acquired real-world skills.
- Explore diverse career options in the health field through one-on-one academic advising, internships, and career discussions.
- Gain an advantage in MCAT preparation with the emphasis on critical thinking and bioethics, enhancing prospects for admission to medical schools or further studies in health-related areas.
Outline:
Core Requirements:
- Medical Ethics
- Bioethics
- Sociology
Elective Courses:
- Health and Global Concerns
- Health and Social Concerns
- Stages of Life
- Health in Communities
- Health and Communication
Capstone Course:
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Health and Human Services
- Humanities and Languages
- Science and Mathematics
- STEM
