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Death, Loss and Grief

SW617, Section 801

This course will address the theoretical framework of human loss and grief from a culturally and philosophically diverse perspective. Students will be provided with information about why and how humans grieve and how grieving is affected by type of loss, socioeconomic and cultural factors, individual personality and family functioning. Attention will be focused on life span development and the meaning of death and loss at different ages. Various types of loss will be discussed from an individual, family, and socio/cultural/ecological perspective. The importance of understanding trauma and its relationship to grief and loss will also be addressed. Coping and resiliency in loss will be explored, emphasizing the diversity of human response and focusing on the significance of social groups in integrating loss. The formation and practice of rituals, and diversity in religious and spiritual experience as a component of coping with loss will be discussed.

Topic Description / Additional Information

Priority enrollment in this class section is reserved for students in the Online MSW programs. Other MSW students may enroll as space allows, but will need to submit a Course Enrollment Petition through the SSW website.

Semester: Spring / Summer 2023
Instructor: Debra K. Mattison
U-M Class #: 64944
Time: Thu 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Program Type: Online
Format: Online
Credits: 3 Credit Hours

Pathway Associations

Community Change
GlobalElective
Interpersonal PracticeElective (Host)
Mgmt & Leadership
Policy & Political
Program Evaluation
Older AdultsElective
Children & FamiliesElective

Other SW617 Offerings

* The course listings below are provided for reference only. These offerings may be subject to change or cancellation.


Term Section Days Time  
Spring / Summer 2023 001 Mon 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM View Course
Spring / Summer 2023 002 Tue 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM View Course
Fall 2023 001 Tue 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM View Course
Fall 2023 002 Thu 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM View Course

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