What is the primary focus of ASB353 Death and Dying in Cross-Cultural Perspective?

The primary focus of ASB353 Death and Dying in Cross-Cultural Perspective is on how different cultures understand and respond to death and dying. This course explores the various beliefs, rituals, and practices surrounding death across diverse cultures, emphasizing that the experience of dying and the significance of death are deeply intertwined with cultural values and social norms.

Through this lens, students examine how rituals, mourning practices, and concepts of the afterlife vary widely, reflecting the unique cultural narratives and existential questions that different societies confront. This exploration enhances understanding of the universal aspects of death while also appreciating the diverse interpretations and responses that arise in different cultural contexts.

In contrast, while the influence of technology on death, historical perspectives, and legal implications can be relevant topics in the broader study of death, they do not encapsulate the central focus of the course, which is fundamentally grounded in cultural understanding and response to death.