Skip to 0 minutes and 8 seconds It is often said that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. Death itself may be certain, but how and where we die and the meanings we attach to dying have many dimensions. This course explores some of the challenges of contemporary end of life care. You’ll have a chance to study the different forms of care people receive before they die, how we plan and prepare for death, and how culture and values shape our experiences.
Skip to 0 minutes and 33 seconds MARIAN KRAWCZYK: We begin by defining key terms we use to talk about the end of life, and consider some of the ways that we collectively deal with the threat of death. We then examine if it’s possible to know when someone is sick enough to die, and consider different categories of death. Finally, we explore the characteristics of good and bad dying, and consider the special role of hospitals in end of life care.
Skip to 0 minutes and 59 seconds DAVID CLARK: We’ll study how communities around the world are creating new ways to think about death and dying and caring for people with terminal illnesses. In Kerala, in India to Clydebank in Scotland, we’ll study innovative approaches that generate compassion and care in the community. And we’ll be taking a look at the fast growing worldwide movement that’s known as death cafe.
Skip to 1 minute and 23 seconds NAOMI RICHARDS: Many people want to take direct control over how they die. In an ageing world, assisted dying and old age rational suicide are increasingly a subject of debate and discussion. We’re going to examine these debates, and look at the ethical implications. Finally, we’re going to look at how modern individuals seek to personalise their own funerals. So please join us for this free online course and investigate these challenging issues. You’ll have opportunities to share ideas and reflections and to learn from others. And you’ll discover some innovative approaches to important and complex problems. We look forward to meeting you and to working with you on this one subject that affects absolutely every one of us.
