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Overview

An introduction to the anthropological analysis of responses to death and dying, drawing on cross-cultural case studies and relevant anthropological theories of grief, mourning and funerary practice.

This paper contextualises a variety of historical and contemporary responses to death and critically examines the development of ‘modern’ death practices.

Paper is offered in yearly rotation with ANTH 228 Anthropology of Religion.

About this paper

Paper title Rites of Passage: Death, Grief and Ritual
Subject Anthropology
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
ANTH 103 or ANTH 105 or 54 points
Restriction
ANTH 325
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Eligibility
This paper is designed for students with and without strong backgrounds in Anthropology.
Contact

susan.wardell@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Dr Susan Wardell

Teaching Arrangements

One 2-hour lecture per week plus one tutorial per week.

Textbooks

All readings on eReserve.

Course outline

Will be available on Blackboard at the beginning of the course.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will:

  • Understand some of the seminal anthropological approaches/theories around the study of death and dying
  • Link specific death-related practices to broader social and cultural contexts
  • Identify the role of cultural values in debates around ethics and care in relation to death, dying, and the dead
  • Critically and reflexively consider the scope and limits of academic knowledge about grief and mourning
Assessment details

Mixture of both internal assessment and exam.

Overview

An introduction to the anthropological analysis of responses to death and dying, drawing on cross-cultural case studies and relevant anthropological theories of grief, mourning and funerary practice.

This paper contextualises a variety of historical and contemporary responses to death and critically examines the development of "modern" death practices.

Paper is offered in yearly rotation with ANTH 228 Anthropology of Religion.

About this paper

Paper title Rites of Passage: Death, Grief and Ritual
Subject Anthropology
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2027 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
ANTH 103 or ANTH 105 or 54 points
Restriction
ANTH 325
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Eligibility

This paper is designed for students with and without strong backgrounds in Anthropology.

Contact

Dr Susan Wardell

Teaching staff

Dr Susan Wardell

Teaching Arrangements

One 2-hour lecture per week plus one tutorial per week.

Textbooks

All readings on eReserve.

Course outline

Will be available on Aoroa at the beginning of the course.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will:

  • Understand some of the seminal anthropological approaches/theories around the study of death and dying.
  • Link specific death-related practices to broader social and cultural contexts.
  • Identify the role of cultural values in debates around ethics and care in relation to death, dying and the dead.
  • Critically and reflexively consider the scope and limits of academic knowledge about grief and mourning.
Assessment details

Mixture of both internal assessment and exam.

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