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Skidmore College
First-Year Experience

Scribner Seminar Program
Course Description

In Light of Death

Instructor(s): Ben Bogin, Asian Studies

Death may be the ultimate interdisciplinary subject: its very existence gives meaning to life and yet it remains enigmatic to biologists, anthropologists, psychologists, philosophers, and artists alike. By studying major texts representative of each of these disciplines, students will develop their understanding of diverse approaches to the enigma of the end of life. Our exploration will begin with death and dying in the contemporary United States and will proceed to a case study focused on the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Students will also engage on a more personal level through contemplative exercises guided by Joan Halifax’s Being with Dying.

Course Offered: