History of Death (KSK_172)
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the course is to provide knowledge and promote discussion on the social, cultural, historical, political, medical and ethical aspects of death in different cultural contexts.
Prerequisites
A background in classical and contemporary anthropological theories is desirable. Ability to read academic texts in English.
Learning outcomes
Students become familiar with the multifaceted anthropology of death and understand the different discourses and aspects of how death and dying can be studied. Students recognise concepts such as death as ritual, social body, mourning, social death, etc.
Being able to explain the significance of death rituals in societies and the processes that shape and influence the changing traditions associated with death and mortality.
Can describe the contexts and situations in which 'social death' may manifest itself and understand the categories through which social death research can be approached. Being able to engage in fruitful discussions with authors who write about it about the usefulness and strengths and weaknesses of the concept.
Being able to read analytically high quality academic social science literature that comprehensively covers topics such as death and dying in their social, medical, political, historical contexts.
Students are able to express verbally and in writing reasoned, exemplified perspectives on socio-cultural issues of death and dying.
Students are able to make competent judgements and discuss the complex historical and socio-cultural processes of death and dying. Students are competent to discuss issues related to death and dying within different discourses.
