Sociological Perspectives on Death, Dying and Palliative Care 3500-FAKANG-SPDD
Death and dying tend to occupy a marginal space within sociological theory and research. With the notable exception of ‘grounded theory’ (Glaser & Strauss) which owes its very conception to research into mortality, engagements with death among the classics are few and far between. Throughout the course, we shall examine the ways death is present within grand theories (e.g. Elias, Bauman, Butler), revisit the foundations of ‘grounded theory’, and investigate the diverse ways in which death and dying are theorised and researched within medical sociology.
In particular, we shall discuss the following topics:
Death and grand theory in sociology: e.g. N. Elias, Z. Bauman, J. Butler
Research on dying and the birth of the ‘grounded theory’ (A. Strauss & B. Glaser)
Death as a topic for medical sociology
Medicalisation and demedicalisation of death and dying
Institutional frameworks: hospices and palliative care
Ethical dilemmas and political struggles around death
Cultural and religious diversity as a context of death and dying
Koordynatorzy przedmiotu
Rodzaj przedmiotu
Tryb prowadzenia
Efekty kształcenia
K_W04 The graduate demonstrates an advanced understanding of the assumptions and key propositions of major contemporary sociological theories, as well as the current state of sociological debate
K_W05 The graduate demonstrates advanced knowledge and understanding of processes occurring in Polish and global societies and their influence on social attitudes and institutions in the context of key contemporary challenges
K_U01 The graduate demonstrates the ability to apply sociological concepts and categories in the advanced analysis of complex issues in contemporary Polish and global societies
K_U02 The graduate demonstrates the ability to critically select and interpret information required for innovative sociological analyses, drawing on diverse sources (both in the native language and in a foreign language at B2+ level) and using modern information and communication technologies
K_U06 The graduate demonstrates proficiency in a foreign language at B2+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), including sociological terminology
K_K01 The graduate demonstrates readiness to critically evaluate scientific and public discourse in the field of sociology, including their own contribution, with due recognition of the importance of scientific evidence and the role of experts in the creation and implementation of knowledge
K_K05 The graduate demonstrates readiness to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and to engage in the scholarly life of the sociological community
Kryteria oceniania
Assessment comprises weekly assignments (50% of the final grade), active participation in seminar discussions (30%), and a group project to be presented in class (20%).
Attendance: Students are permitted to miss a maximum of three sessions during the course.
Grading Criteria: Weekly tasks are assessed based on the clarity of the argument, the integration of knowledge from set readings, and adherence to deadlines.
Late Completion: In the event of a late completion of the course, the same requirements apply.
Use of generative artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, is permitted for selected course assignments/assessments. By default, the use of such tools is prohibited unless explicitly stated otherwise. Any use must be properly described and/or cited. Students are responsible for all content generated using AI tools.
Literatura
Z.Bauman, Mortality, Immortality, and Other Life Strategies; N.Elias, The Loneliness of the Dying; J.Butler, Precarious Life; B.Glaser, A. Strauss, Awareness of Dying; B.Glaser, A. Strauss, Time for Dying; E.Kubler-Ross, On Death and Dying; P.Singer, Rethinking Life and Death; J.W. Green, Beyond the Good Death: The Anthropology of Modern Dying; M.C. Jearl, Endings: The Sociology of Death and Dying; C.D.Bryant (ed.), Handbook of Death and Dying; B. McNamara, Fragile Lives: Death, Dying, and Care; D.Oliviere, B.Monroe (ed.), Death, Dying and Social Differences; M.H.Jacobsen (ed.), The Age of Spectacular Death; G.Howarth, P.C.Jupp (ed.), Contemporary Issues in the Sociology of Death, Dying and Disposal; D.Clark, The Sociology of Death: Theory, Culture, Practice.