Pushing Daisies: The Anthropology of Death and Dying

3 units

This course examines the dying process and the ways humans around the world come to terms with their mortality. We will critically analyze controversial issues regarding brain death, suicide, euthanasia, and organ donation. We will survey funerary traditions from a variety of cultures and compare the social, spiritual, and psychological roles that these rituals play for both the living and the dying. We will examine cultural attitudes toward death and how the denial and awareness of human mortality can shape social practices and institutions. Finally, we will consider issues regarding quality of life, the opportunities and challenges of caregiving, and hospice traditions around the world. This course will include readings and films about individuals and groups, both in the United States and around the world, as well as guest speakers (hospice workers, home aides, organ donation facilitators, counselors) who will talk about issues related to end-of-life health and caretaking issues in and around St Louis.