Death is life's only certainty, and yet, no subject has inspired more diverse, profound, and contradictory answers across human history. Beginning with an examination of our own psychological defenses against death, this module then takes you on a global tour of how the world's great religious and philosophical traditions have grappled with mortality, giving you the opportunity to sit with the living practices of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. We will ask: What happens when we die? How should we grieve? Is fear of death rational? And perhaps most importantly, can confronting our finitude actually teach us how to live more fully? Finally, we will turn to a discussion of near-death experiences, the human quest for immortality, and the ultimate philosophical question: If we could achieve immortality, would we actually want it?

Designed for curious adult learners with no prior background in religious studies or philosophy, this course welcomes anyone processing personal grief, seeking to understand the beliefs of neighbors or colleagues, or simply lying awake wondering what it all means. All viewpoints are respected; you need not be religious or irreligious to participate, only open-minded and willing to reflect. By the end, students will be able to articulate core beliefs about death across major traditions, compare diverse approaches to dying and grief, analyze philosophical arguments about the fear of death, and reflect personally on how global wisdom has shifted their own assumptions.

*Note: This module contains potentially disturbing material, but it is handled with respect and academic sensitivity.

Because this course deals directly with death, dying, and the rituals surrounding the end of life, students will encounter:

1. Descriptions of corpses and burial practices, including discussion of cremation, excarnation (exposure of bodies to the elements), mummification, and traditional washing and shrouding rituals.
2. Graphic imagery from religious traditions, such as the Buddhist Bardo Thodol (Tibetan Book of the Dead), which includes vivid descriptions of the dissolution of the body and encounters with wrathful deities; Hindu iconography of the goddess Kali and Yama, the god of death; and Islamic teachings on the "trial of the grave" and the torments of hell.
3. Discussions of suffering and grief, including the emotional and psychological realities of losing loved ones and the process of mourning across cultures.
4. References to violence and sacrifice in religious and historical contexts, including crucifixion in Christianity, animal sacrifice in various traditions, and the ethical complexities of killing in war and capital punishment.

*Importantly, this course is NOT designed to be sensational or gratuitous. All material is presented in an academic, comparative, and respectful framework. The goal is understanding, not shock. Graphic descriptions are provided for cultural and ritual context, not for their own sake. Students are never required to view images or videos that would be considered disturbing; all content is delivered through lecture and discussion. Students who anticipate difficulty with any of these topics are encouraged to speak with the preceptor ahead of time. Accommodations such as advance notice of specific content or alternative reflection assignments can be made.

This hybrid module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:

Outline	8-Session Structure
Week 1	Lecture 1: Fear, Denial, and the Search for Meaning in Death
	Discussion 1: Discussion about Lecture 1 material
Week 2	Lecture 2: Judgement and Paradise: The Abrahamic Traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
	Discussion 2: Discussion about Lecture 2 material
Week 3	Lecture 3: Rebirth and Impermanence: The Dharmic Traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism
	Discussion 3: Discussion about Lecture 3 material
Week 4	Lecture 4: Near Death Experiences, Immortality, and Why Death Gives Life Meaning
	Discussion 4: Discussion about Lecture 3 material