SOC-1150 Sociology of Death and Dying

Credits 3
Survey course offering a broad overview of death and dying across cultures. Topics include the historical evolution of care and treatment of the dying and the dead; attitudes toward death; the understanding of and care for the terminally ill patients; funeral ritual; burial, mourning and grief practices; grief counseling; and suicide and euthanasia.
Course Outcomes

Compare the sociological perspectives, and the cultural and historical attitudes toward death and dying.
Identify death and dying issues in literature and film.
Discuss contemporary ethical issues involving death and dying, including patients’ rights, advance directives and artificial life support, hospice, euthanasia, suicide, funerals, expenses, and rituals.
Identify personal values and beliefs in relation to death and dying, and grief and mourning.
Evaluate responsibilities and treatment of patients and the deceased by professional services and institutions.