8 Package of Classes on Death, Dying, and Grieving

This modified class is similar to an introductory class on death, dying, and bereavement taught to college students.

Learning Objectives:
- Understand how different cultures/societies and major religions generally view death and dying.
- Understand different philosophical views about death and dying.
- Learn about different types of funerals and bodily dispositions.
- Learn techniques and tips on planning for death.
- Learn about different theories of grief and grieving.
- Discover ways to talk with your loved ones about death and dying.
- Discover ways to think about your own death.
- Understand why it is important to talk about death and dying.

Classes 1, 2, and 3 will cover the "denial of death" in the United States, common cultural and religious beliefs around death and dying found within the United States, and philosophical views of death and dying.

Class 4 will cover planning for death and types of funerals, bodily dispositions, and legacy activities.

Classes 5 and 6 will cover the different theories about types of grief, theories on how we grieve, and differences in grieving styles. Tips on what to say to others who are grieving, thinking about your own death, and ways to start the conversation with others.

Class 7 will cover grieving by age, how to talk to children/teens who are grieving, and what dying looks like.

Class 8 will cover the ethics of dying.

Each class is 1.5 hours and will meet twice per week for four weeks. The general format is talk/lecture for a little over an hour followed by open discussion and questions from learners. Recommended readings and resources will be given at the end of each class to provide additional information to further enhance learning.