A Global History of Death and Dying (352-0-20)
Instructors
Sean Allen Hanretta
Harris Hall 310
Meeting Info
University Hall 101: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
Does death have a history? Explores the changing realities of, attitudes towards, and ways of coping with death. The role of death in shaping the modern world via the global slave trades, imperial conquests, pandemics, wars, and genocides. Ways people have made sense of death in extraordinary circumstances and during calmer times. Continuities and transformations in death rituals, intellectual and philosophical debates about the personal and social meanings of death, and the consequences of ways and patterns of dying.
Learning Objectives
Understanding of basic facts about and development of critical thinking on a) material changes in mortality, b) changing attitudes towards death, and c) the politics of death. Development of basic historical research skills. Critical analysis of texts (including literary and philosophical texts). Ability to discuss and debate ethical issues collegially. Improving writing skills including through the rewriting of one short paper and the piecemeal construction of a research paper via outlining etc.
Teaching Method
Lectures, seminar style, and discussion sections.
Evaluation Method
Short papers: 25%; Paper rewrite: 10%; Final research paper 35% total (inc. parts for proposal, bibliography, outline, and full paper); Discussion in lectures and sections: 20%. No exams.
Class Materials (Required)
A course packet available from Quartet Copies (and on Canvas)
Four books:
W.M. Spellman, A Brief History of Death, 2015, 978-1780235042, pbk.
Vincent Brown, The Reaper's Garden, 2010, 978-0674057128, pbk.
Wole Soyinka, Death and the King's Horseman, 2002 Norton 2nd ed, 978-0393322996, pbk.
Atul Gawande, Being Mortal, 2017, 978-1250076229, pbk.
Class Notes
Concentration: Global, Americas, European, Asia/Middle East, African/Middle East
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Interdisciplinary Distro-rules apply
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Ethics & Values Distro Area
First Class Attendance Required
Associated Classes
DIS - Locy Hall 213: Wed 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Wed 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Harris Hall L05: Wed 1:00PM - 1:50PM