Death and Dying

Catalog description

It is in thinking about death that we begin to understand the meaning of life. Using sociological, psychological and spiritual perspectives, this course will examine such topics as American cultural influences on the meaning of death, how we die in a technological age, hospice and palliative care, euthanasia, the medicalization of death, the grieving process, suicide and homocide, how children come to understand mortality, and cross-cultural perspectives on death and dying. Students will also critically analyze their own perspectives on end-of-life issues and consider how to prepare for, pay for and experience the end of life. Through this pragmatic and theoretical approach, students will not only reflect on their own mortality, but be empowered to live their lives more fully. The course will use active-learning methods (e.g., journaling, field trips, guest speakers, interviewing, debate, oral presentations as well as applied and interactive exercises). Prereq: Sophomore Standing