Serious Ill, Death, and Dying

3 credits

This course provides an opportunity for examination of personal, professional, and societal beliefs and perspectives on serious illness, death, and dying across the lifespan. Students become aware of and sensitized to personal assumptions, biases, attitudes and reactions to serious illness, death, and dying. Philosophies, principles, and models of palliative and end-of-life care are discussed. Students develop an appreciation for individual and family coping processes throughout serious illness, death, dying, and bereavement. Students explore communication and bio-psycho-social-spiritual strategies that can be used to partner with individuals and families to maximize quality of life throughout serious illness, death, and dying.