Manhattanville College
Anthropology 2037: Anthropology of Death and Dying
Professor Berg
Office: Dammann 6A
Email: bergc@mville.edu
Course Description:
A cross cultural exploration of the phenomena of death. We will examine how people make sense of death in a social and historical context. Topics include the concept of death, grief and bereavement, rituals, ethical and legal issues and the Hospice movement.
Objectives:
General goals for the class are to: 1. examine the concept of death, 2. understand different cultural, religious and psychological dimensions of death and the dying, 3. review current medical and ethical issues, and 4. develop an understanding of the process of dying and death on individuals, families and societies.
Required Texts:
Kubler-Ross, Elizabeth Death, The Final Stage of Growth, Prentice Hall, 1975.
Cravens, Margaret, I Heard The Owl Call My Name,
Additional readings will be on e-reserve in the library or handed out in class.
Written Assignments and Grading:
Three short reaction papers – each is worth 10% of grade.
Two short exams – 20% each.
A paper in which you compare two different cultural groups’ perspective on a topic from class that interests you. This will be discussed in greater detail in class and will be due the last week of class – 25 %.
Attendance will count as 5% of your grade.
