Pushing Daisies: The Anthropology of Death and Dying

This course examines the dying process and the ways humans around the world come to terms with their mortality. We will critically analyze controversial issues regarding brain death, suicide, euthanasia, and organ donation. We will survey funerary traditions from a variety of cultures and compare the social, spiritual, and psychological roles that these rituals play for both the living and the dying. We will examine cultural attitudes towards death and how the denial and awareness of human mortality can shape social practices and institutions. Finally, we will consider issues regarding the quality of life, the opportunities and challenges of caregiving, and hospice traditions around the world. This course will include readings and films about individuals and groups both in the US and around the world, as well as guest speakers who will talk about issues related to end of life health and caretaking issues in and around St Louis (hospice workers, home aides, organ donation facilitators and counselors).
Course Attributes: EN S; BU Eth; AS SSC; FA SSC; AR SSC

Pushing Daisies: The Anthropology of Death and Dying

ANTHROPOLOGY 4110

Section 01

This course satisfies

Concentration

Course Requirements