Assignment Content
Title: Exploring Death and Dying: A Journey Through the Cemetery
Objective: The objective of this assignment is to provide students with an opportunity to explore their thoughts, feelings, and attitudes towards death and dying through a visit to a cemetery. By engaging in this experiential activity, students will gain insight into their own perspectives on mortality and develop a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and psychological aspects of death.
Assignment Details:
a. Pre-Visit Reflection: Before visiting the cemetery, take some time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about death and dying. Consider the following questions:
What emotions come to mind when you think about death?
How have your experiences with death shaped your perspective on life?
What cultural or religious beliefs influence your understanding of death?
Are there any fears or anxieties you have about dying?
b. Cemetery Visit:
Choose a local cemetery to visit. Ensure it is a safe and appropriate location for your visit.
Spend at least 30 minutes walking through the cemetery. Take note of the surroundings, gravestones, monuments, and any other features that catch your attention.
Reflect on the diversity of the gravesites. Consider the different ways people are remembered and memorialized.
Take photographs or make sketches of any gravestones or symbols that resonate with you. Note any thoughts or emotions that arise during your visit.
c. Post-Visit Reflection: After your visit to the cemetery, take some time to reflect on your experience. Write a reflection paper addressing the following points:
Describe your experience at the cemetery. What thoughts and emotions did you experience while walking among the graves?
Did anything surprise you during your visit? Did your perceptions of death and dying change in any way?
Reflect on the cultural and social aspects of death as observed in the cemetery. How do different cultures and belief systems approach death and remembrance?
How has this experience influenced your personal understanding of mortality? Has it challenged any preconceived notions or beliefs?
Submission Guidelines:
Your reflection paper should be typed, double-spaced, and formatted according to APA style (if applicable) 2-3 pages.
Include any photographs or sketches taken during your cemetery visit, if possible.
