PSY466 Psychology of Death and Dying (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PSY317  
This course explores the psychological issues and concepts related to death including emotions, behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes towards the process of dying.  Cultural and historical differences in concepts of death, dying grief, and bereavement are explored, as well as individual differences related to preparations, adjustments, and coping with death.  Developmental perspectives on death (children, adolescents, adults, and elderly) are examined as well as the personal and social implications of loss over the entire lifespan.  Topics include coping with grief and loss, cultural approaches to death and funeral practices, hospice care, suicide and physician-assisted suicide, and media coverage of death and dying.

Upon the completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply fundamental theories and concepts related to grief, coping with loss and grief, and developmental perspectives on death.
2. Demonstrate understand of various cultural approaches to death and dying.
3. Identify perspectives and differences about death and dying throughout various stages of life from birth to adulthood.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of how an awareness of mortality contributes meaning in one’s life.