Description
Nothing is more profoundly human than the experience of loss and the awareness of our own mortality and those around us. It is unique, personal and informed by our community, our culture, and our sense of history. The ways in which society has experienced, processed and expressed such awaremess will be examined through a review of centuries of literature, poetry, music and prayer. We will look at the cultural and historical rituals and beliefs that influence the manner in which we approach an understanding of our own mortality and the multiple losses we experience throughout our lives. While considering topics of grief, bereavement, aging and the dying process, emphasis will be placed on the complex bioethical questions of end of life care in the 21st Century. Among the topics to be considered are hospice care, palliative care vs. aggressive medical treatment, DNR orders, physician assisted death, organ donation, Healthcare proxy and living wills. These topics will be considered