SOC-209 Our Cultural Approach to Death

An interdisciplinary examination of our culture’s attitudes, beliefs and rituals as they relate to death and dying. Coping techniques, the process of bereavement for individuals and communities, ethical, spiritual and moral issues related to death will be examined. Cross cultural variation will also be considered.

Credits

3

Lecture Contact Hours

3

Lab Contact Hours

0

Other Contact Hours

0

Department

• Social Science

Grading Scheme

• Letter

SUNY Gen Ed Credit

• No

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Be able to describe contemporary and historical understandings of death and dying in the United States
2. Demonstrate an understanding of coping mechanisms in relation to death and dying
3. Identify contemporary medical and health care trends as they relate to death and dying
4. Identify cultural and cross cultural differences as they apply to social practices related to death and dying
5. Discuss and assess how death and dying are understood across various stages in human development
6. Discuss and analyze spiritual, ethical and moral issues as they relate to death and dying