Social work and social care

Exploring Death and Dying; Cultural, Theoretical and Practice Perspectives

Module code: X4800E
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

This elective explores diverse aspects of death and dying. It encompasses history, the arts, the impact of technology, anthropological perspectives, social policy and key theories.

Underpinning the module is the permission to discuss a subject normally viewed as ‘depressing’ or even ‘contagious’ in an open – and even fun – way. This challenges taboos and creates space to explore a wide range of aspects, from the mundane to the bizarre.

The module focuses on the UK but we also cover perspectives from South East Asia, Africa, Latin America and other cultures. You will explore:

• the dominant theories around death and bereavement
• past and contemporary language about and constructions of death
• the role of ritual and emotion
• sociocultural debates around assisted dying and good deaths
• the impact of digital technologies in transforming the experience of death.

You’ll learn though a variety of methods, including lectures, group work, course work, external visits and talks by visiting practitioners. Assessment is via a portfolio of work, including contributions to an online group blog, a reflective personal journal and a short term-paper.

Module learning outcomes

• Contribute to contemporary debates around death and dying by identifying and evaluating significant theory, practices and research in this area.
• Evaluate the influence of discrimination and oppression on death, dying and/or grief
• Demonstrate an ability to analyse and discuss variation in cultural and historical constructions of death, and to describe and distinguish between these in relation to practices around death and/or dying.
• Show sound reflective skills in engaging with the subject and content of the elective and in participatory work with others