Death and Dying in World Religions

Catalog description

This course explores historical and contemporary beliefs and practices related to death and dying in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism as well as secular perspectives and traditions that practice the veneration of ancestors. By reading a wide range of source material and hearing from local guest speakers, we explore questions such as what happens after death, how various traditions teach people to prepare for death, approaches to mourning and bereavement, funerary practices, and commemoration of the dead. Course explorations might also address challenging ethical issues related to death and dying. Through all these topics we consider practical applications for vocations and professions in health care, wellness, hospice care, religious and spiritual leadership, funeral services, and civic leadership. By exploring this content, students engage in sustained reflection on their own beliefs and attitudes toward death and dying and on how these beliefs and attitudes inform their approach toward life and living well. Semester(s) Offered: Offered as needed