This course will explore social, historical, ethical, and cultural aspects of death and dying. We will analyze the social meaning of death from a historical and cross-cultural perspective. Additional topics include: the historical evaluation of images and attitudes toward death, ways of dying, the medicalization and consequences of high-tech dying, life extension, the role of palliative care and hospice, euthanasia, body disposal and abuse, and the death industry. The course will offer an opportunity to formulate, analyze, and deepen your own views on a number of issues related to death and dying.