Perspectives on Life and Death
Examination of the exploration of our perception of the life range for possible reevaluation and rearticulation, in view of modern scientific developments.
Outcomes: Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of ethical comprehension, analysis, and decision-making within the context of select theological and religious traditions.
Examination of the exploration of our perception of the life range for possible reevaluation and rearticulation, in view of modern scientific developments.
Outcomes: Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of ethical comprehension, analysis, and decision-making within the context of select theological and religious traditions.
Mortality and vulnerability are an inescapable part of being human. In fact, they are integral dimensions of all life on earth. Given this reality, what constitutes a ¿good life¿ and a ¿good death¿? What does it mean to value and care for life¿human and not? What might Christian social ethics contribute to bioethics? This seminar will discuss a range of medical topics (e.g. prenatal care & birth, ARTs, reproductive genetic testing, abortion, care for the chronically ill, definitions of death, euthanasia, end-of-life care options, physician-assisted suicide) within these larger questions. It will also attend to the socio-economic contexts in which these topics are situated. It may also explore what it means to value life in terms of global and ecological health needs/realities.
This course is an advanced undergraduate and graduate seminar. It is open to both upper-level undergraduates and to graduate students. Upper level undergraduate and graduate students in Bioethics, SES and WSGS are especially invited to join this class and conversation. Students do not need to be Theology or Religious Studies Majors/Minors, but they do need a strong interest in studying Christian theological sources/figures/themes as they relate to the above subject matter. The emphasis is on collaborative learning. While the professor will make presentations throughout the course, students are responsible for being prepared to participate actively in all class sessions.
Class Details
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Combined Section Capacity
Combined Section