STS 330 - Death and Birth

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

(Same as SOCI 330) Births happen every day. And unless you’re a turritopsis doohmii jellyfish, death is inevitable. While we may personally care about certain births and deaths (our own and those of people we care about), they are not inherently significant events. So, what makes these events special? This seminar explores the social nature of birth and death, primarily in the context of the United States. How do we make sense of and attribute meaning to birth, death, and… the beyond? How do these things organize social roles and responsibilities? How do social inequalities shape birth and death? Whose births/deaths are made to matter? Throughout this seminar, students conduct their own research project and engage with sociological research, film, literature, and art to investigate the stuff between conception and the afterlife. Catherine Tan.

One 2-hour period.

Course Format: CLS