Provides a foundation for understanding death, dying, and
bereavement, with a focus on older adults. We will examine the
end of life in the socio-cultural, interpersonal, and public
health context. Foundational knowledge will be applied to current
controversies.
Athena Title
Death, Dying, and Bereavement
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in GRNT 7800
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will learn to summarize the major theories of death and dying.
Students will learn to examine societal attitudes of death.
Students will learn to categorize the dying process, specifically as it relates to older adults.
Students will learn to examine the end of life in the context of the healthcare system and the legal system.
Students will learn to analyze how the diversity of ethnicity, religious preferences, gender, culture, and other factors affect the perspectives, attitudes, practices, and experiences of individuals and their families at the end of life.
Students will learn to analyze classic and current research and theories about death, dying, and bereavement.
Students will learn to apply theories and evidence-based practice to current issues in death and dying.
Students will learn to evaluate and debate ethical issues at the end of life.
Topical Outline
Meaning of death and societal attitudes about the end of life
Theories of death and dying
Historical and philosophical perspectives of the end of life
Cross cultural death, dying, and bereavement rituals
The principles of palliative care
End of life and the healthcare system
End of life and the legal system
Epidemiology and patterns of care at the end of life
