HMS 2025 - DEATH AND DYING

credits: 3.0
An interdisciplinary investigation of death and dying, emphasizing the sociological perspective. Dying and death are studies as social processes, focusing on the effects these processes have on our lives of individuals and society. The course will investigate social roles and occupations related to death and dying, death rituals, how concepts of death affects the lives of individuals and of society, and the problem areas related to the death and dying. The particular emphasis will be on death as a social phenomenon, shaping and being shaped by society. Objectives: Be able to discuss historical, cultural, current and media perspectives on death and dying. Demonstrate a knowledge of problems associated with the definition of death. Show familiarity with literature which discusses how to relate to dying and grieving persons. Be able to explain the funeral process, the role of funeral directors, and the uses of funerals. Be able to explain different perspectives on such controversial areas as suicide, abortion, and euthanasia, and show a clear understanding of the meaning of these concepts. Be able to show that he/she understands current directions in death and dying, both theoretical and practical and can relate the things learned in the course to everyday life. Method of Instruction: Exams, reaction papers, funeral eulogy, and special assignments. Method of Evaluation: A) Exams (200 points); B) Attendance and Class Participation (70 points); C) Special Assignments (20 points); D) Quizzes; E) Reaction papers.