Course Description:
Examination
of social justice concerns in relation to experiences of death, dying, and
bereavement. Emphases on the impact of marginalization and discrimination on
individuals and communities and on the movement for diversity, equity, and
inclusion in the field of thanatology. Focus on practitioner reflection and
development of social justice interventions for thanatology professionals.
Introduction:
In the introduction to the Handbook
of Social Justice in Loss and Grief, co-editors Drs. Darcy Harris and
Tashel Bordere write,
It is impossible to try to understand someone without an appreciation for how social forces, culture, political messages, and access to resources profoundly shape that person and her/his choices. The ability to look at issues of justice and inclusion requires us to become aware of these contexts so that we can then make conscious choices as care providers, as students, academics, and as people—who choose to demonstrate compassion in a world that is often blind to the painful effects of oppression, discrimination, and lack of access to basic necessities and resources. (5)
THA 604: Social Justice in Thanatology is designed
to facilitate intensive learning on the wide and complex spectrum of social
justice concerns in relation to experiences of death and grief, in addition to
concerns for equity and diversity within the field of thanatology. This course
is structured in weekly units that will focus on: introducing students to
social justice as a field of study and practice, unpacking the impact of social
status and public policy, consideration of marginalized populations and
cultural humility, understanding individual experiences within social contexts,
and responding to inequality and furthering practice implications.
Throughout the course, we will undertake critical study of social justice while reflectively considering our own identities and experiences with diversity, privilege, and power. In doing so, this course seeks to provide students with considerable knowledge about social justice and its relationship to death, dying, and bereavement – but also and importantly, to assist all members of the class community in contributing positively to equity, inclusion, and social justice measures in their personal, public, and professional lives.
- Teacher: Sara Murphy