HHS 307 - Death,Dying,Loss,& Grief W

Institution:

Virginia Wesleyan University

Subject:

Description:

Focuses on contemporary and historical societal influences, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs in conceptualizing the experience of death. Students examine religious rituals related to the preparation of the body, the burial and the mourning process and examine the ethics surrounding end-of-life decisions and how death is determined from a medical and legal perspective. Current legal issues and instruments such as advance directives, wills and powers of attorney are discussed. Also addressed are current ethical controversies around life sustaining measures, physical assisted death and organ transplantation. The impact of loss throughout the life cycle is addressed, as a result of normal developmental transitions. Those losses are contrasted with loss as a result of suicide, violence and disaster. In addition we explore the needs of those identified as disenfranchised grievers such as partners of AIDS patients, families of suicide victims, women who have miscarried and young widows/widowers. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.vwu.edu

Phone Number:

(757) 455-3200

Regional Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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