PSYC 1380 The Psychology of Death
Death is examined as both a psychological and physical process. Topics include and are not limited to personal attitudes and myths, cultural and religious rituals, death as a choice, death as entertainment in the media, superstitions, notions of an afterlife, near-death experiences, the evolutionary need for death, and euthanasia. (1 lect.)
Major Topics
- Physical process of death
- Evolutionary necessity of death
- The paperwork: Coroner’s report, wills, living wills
- Role of Hospice
- The myth of grief stages
- Burial practices
- Near-death experiences and brain states
- Comparison of religious rituals
- Comparison of afterlife and reincarnation beliefs
- Superstitions and myths
- Comparison of ethnic and cultural attitudes
- Assisted death controversies
- Legal interference
- Death as entertainment in the media
- Death as a topic in art and literature
- Death as a choice (murder, suicide, abortion, death penalty, war, self-sacrifice, euthanasia)
- Death of pets
- Personal impact, grief and coping with death
- Death rates (accidents & disease, natural disasters)
Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Critically examine the variety of the psychological and physical aspects of death. Assessment: The student will openly and maturely discuss the topics regarding death.
2. Explore the various ways in which death is an institution, as viewed by religions, ethnic groups, the arts, entertainment industries, and others. Assessment: The student will make a comparative analysis of concepts regarding death.
3. Analyze how death has been a constant as a mystery in the lives of human beings, and yet how our approach to death is transformed by each generation and through cultural development. Assessment: The student will articulate his/her own philosophies and attitudes toward death through inventories and participating in class activities.
4. Gather information regarding the various rituals and approaches to death, analyze how differing situations effect our acceptance, and critically draw a conclusion about the personal meaning of death. Assessment: The student will complete a written summary of this knowledge, using all appropriate technology.