HP4274 THE LAST DANCE: PERSPECTIVES OF DEATH, DYING & BEREAVEMENT

The study of death and dying is concerned with questions that are rooted at the core of human experience. Individuals who set out to increase their knowledge of mortality are embarking on life's most important exploration, a journey of personal discovery and spiritual awakening. Whilst acknowledging the finite nature of existence allows individuals to reflect upon the meaning of life to attend greater personhood, mortality also plays a pivotal role in defining cultural beliefs, family values and social structures. This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of the major psycho-socio-cultural perspectives, theories and clinical practices on death and dying from a global viewpoint with a critical focus on the Asian experience. Through interactive lectures, experiential workshops and creative group projects, students will be offered an opportunity to examine the psychological, socio-spiritual, ethical and political issues of mortality through a range of cultural lenses. Such exploration will facilitate insights, reflections and personal growth for enhancing students' capacity in dealing with the inevitability of morality, while equipping them with the core intellectual skills and values for living a meaningful and purposeful life.