SYLLABUS
DEATH AND DYING
SOC 27102
(Two Semester Hours Credit)
The sociological implications of death and dying in American society. Special attention focuses on the
social psychological, social structural, and cultural components of death from the distinctively American
perspective. Course will apply research findings to pragmatic issues, including the dying patient, disposal
of remains, and survivorship.
SPRING SEMESTER, 2007
Prepared by the Instructor
Barbara J. Boley, Ph.D.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
School of Social Science
University of Rio Grande
ADA Statement
ADA Statement: If a student wishes to be identified as having a physical, mental, or learning disability, that may or
may not require reasonable accommodation(s), he/she must register with the Office of Accessibility. These
registered students should identify themselves to their instructors and provide a written statement from the
Accessibility Office that indicates the appropriate accommodations. The process of a student self- proclaiming the
need for accommodation should occur as early in the semester as possible. The Office of Accessibility phone is
245-7339 and is located in Rhodes Hall room 116.
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Death and Dying
SOC 27102
Spring 2002-2003 Syllabus
Dr. Raymond C. Matura
page
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The manner in which we deal with death affects the quality of our lives and those who care for us
or for whom we care. Even though death is a natural part of the life cycle and a universal event, it
remains a great mystery. It has long been an important part of most religious belief systems. Recently it
has become the object of scholarly and scientific study, and in addition to thoughts and theories, a great
amount of knowledge has been generated about dying, death, and grief in terms of their psychological,
social, and cultural contexts. This knowledge has important implications that affect all of us at some time.
Death education has a highly significant function in disseminating scientific knowledge and in facilitating
the application to the benefit of each individual.
The objectives of this course are:
1.
Student will be able to acknowledge and confront death as a personal reality.
2.
Students will be able to identify concepts, models, theories, research data, and practices regarding
psychosocial aspects of dying, death, and bereavement.
3.
Students will be able to identify and outline the functions and significance of death education for
helping individuals cope with death.
4.
Students will be able to identify major issues and controversies, and describe the pros and cons.
5.
Students will accumulate information related to death as an event and process.
6.
Students will be able to demonstrate completion of required and self-selected readings.
COURSE PROCEDURES
The course will be comprised predominately of lecture and class discussion. Students are expected
to comply with all assignments, especially preparatory assignments and readings. The class will have
several class projects, including at least one field trip. Failure to comply with these requirements will result
in, at least, one-half grade reduction.
There will be some audio-visuals and guest lecturers.
TESTING, PROJECTS, AND SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS
There will be two multiple-choice examinations; one mid-way through the semester, and one during
the scheduled final exam period. The majority of these questions are taken from the reading
assignments.
Students are advised to familiarize themselves with literature of the discipline.
Students are encouraged to participate in class.
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Death and Dying
SOC 27102
Spring 2002-2003 Syllabus
Dr. Raymond C. Matura
page
Each member of the class will be responsible for reading a number of articles on the following topics:
Infant euthanasia
Euthanasia
Suicide
The Right to Die
Coping with Death
Dealing with Grief
Alternative Care of the Dying
Delaying Death
Death and the Law
The Funeral Industry
After Life
Abortion (selected only if the class is large)
Other topics and sources selected by the student and approved by the instructor.
Topic must be selected by the second-class meeting. Some articles to be read are in the reference
section of the library in a binder entitled Death/Dying: Opposing Views - Source. Each student should
add additional articles from professional journals. The student has two options; one must be selected by
the third class. Option two must be approved by Dr. Boley, options:
1.
Type a summary of each article's major points, then write a collective analysis of the articles
enumerating the conflicting arguments. Conclude with your position and provide a rational.
2.
Be prepared, when called to discuss your selected topic in class by the fourth week. You may
utilize notes or other sources, but you must demonstrate knowledge of the topic and readings.
GRADING SCALE
100 points weekly assignments
100 points midterm
100 points final
100 points paper or oral presentation
100 Participation rubric
500 possible points
90 - 100% or 450 - 500 = A
80 - 89% or 400 - 449 = B
70 - 79% or 350- 399 = C
60 - 69% or 300 - 349 = D
Below 299 = F
Note: Please refer to the above paragraph regarding reduction in grade if in-class work is not
completed when due.
Failure to complete any assignment may result in an "F" for the course.
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Death and Dying
SOC 27102
Spring 2002-2003 Syllabus
Dr. Raymond C. Matura
page
MAKE-UP WORK
Students will be permitted make-up work under the strictest conditions with permission of the
instructor. Arrangements for make-up work must be made two weeks prior to the date or within one
calendar week after the assigned date. The only exception to this rule is evidence of incapacitation. If
contact is not made within these guidelines, the student receives a zero for the assignment or exam.
Credit for extra work will be agreed upon by the instructor and the student before the work is
approved.
TEXT
Kastenbaum, R. J. (2007) - Understanding Dying, Death & Bereavement.
9th Edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Readings: On reserve in the University library.
ATTENDANCE
Classroom attendance is highly encouraged and recommended in compliance with school policy.
The instructor will not be responsible for missed material due to absence. However, at her discretion, she
will meet with students who have been absent to aid the student(s) upon the student(s) initiative. It
should be noted that class attendance does reflect in the student's class participation assessment.
Considerations: The topics discussed and the sensitivity of the issues can become emotional. If you
have any personal problems with the topic or attitudes expressed in class, you should consult with the
instructor as soon as possible.
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Death and Dying
SOC 27102
Spring 2002-2003 Syllabus
Dr. Raymond C. Matura
page
TOPICS
We shall attempt to cover one chapter each week. Hence, with the exception of our initial class,
you are required to read the chapter before class. The topics coincide with the chapter headings.
Please read scheduled chapter prior to class attendance.
Week
Topic
Text Reading
1-2
As We Think About Death
Chapter 1
3
What is death?
Chapter 2
4
The Death System
Chapter 3
5
Dying
Chapter 4
6-7
Hospice and Palliative Care
Chapter 5
8-9
End of Life Issues and Decisions
Chapter 6
10
Suicide, violent Death
Chapters 7 & 8
11
Euthanasia
Chapter 9
12
Death in the World of Childhood
Chapter 10
13
Bereavement, grief and mourning
Chapter 11
14
The Funeral Process
Do We Survive Death?
Chaptesr 12 &13
15.
How Can We Help?
Chapters 14 & 15
LATE WORK
I think that it is just to reward students whose work is prepared on time. Therefore, late papers will
be excused only in cases of verifiable emergency. No incompletes will be granted for unexcused late
papers. Unexcused late term papers and essays will be penalized by one letter grade for each day
overdue, weekends included.
INCOMPLETES
Incompletes are recorded only in extreme cases. It is suggested that the student withdraw from
the course if requirements cannot be met. An incomplete must be removed from the record within five
weeks of the subsequent term.
OFFICE
The instructor's office hours will be stated on the first day of class. Feel free to make an
appointment at other times. The office is located in Wood Hall, Room #251. Telephone 740-245-7280. My
e-mail address is: bboley@rio.edu