Experiential Project Options (You must complete two of these)

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Death and Dying, Life and Living
Experiential Project Options Fall, 2006
Kay Fowler

(You must complete two of these; Exp. Proj. 1 Due Class 6; Exp. Proj. 2 Due Class 11) Below are various acceptable options. I am willing to entertain a proposal from you for alternative activities but it must be approved in advance.

NOTE: IF YOU SELECT THE SERVICE LEARNING OPTION OF THE CLASS YOU NEED ONLY SUBMIT ONE OF THE EXPERIENTIAL PROJECTS AND YOU ARE EXEMPT FROM THE MIDTERM EXAM. For more information see http://phobos.ramapo.edu/~kfowler/d&dservicelearning.html

Relevant Events On campus: Attend one and write a brief summary of the key message of the event and then a 2-3 page thoughtful analysis of how the event illuminated or enriched various considerations regarding death and dying. The analysis should connect the event to specific readings and class discussion from the course. (A list of other approved events will be available early in the semester once the fall events schedule is posted. Others may be proposed to me for indivdidual approval.)

Off-campus visits: Visit one of the following and complete the appropriate worksheet as specified.

1. Funeral Home Visit: Visit a funeral home and interview a funeral director. Guidelines available through WebCT under D&D Resources/D&D Project Resources.

2. Hospice or Nursing Home Visit: Visit a hospice or nursing home and interview staff Guidelines available through WebCT under D&D Resources/D&D Project Resources.

3. Cemetery Visit: Visit a cemetery and prepare a report Guidelines available through WebCT under D&D Resources/D&D Project Resources.

4. Attorney Visit: Visit an attorney who specializes in estate planning and probate. Guidelines available through WebCT under D&D Resources/D&D Project Resources.

5. Emergency Personnel Interview: Interview a firefighter, police officer, Emergency Medical Service person, or Emergency Room physician or nurse about their experiences with and coping strategies for dealing with multiple encounters with trauma, death, and grief. Be sure to get formal signed permission from the person to write up what they have said and, if possible, get them to read what you have written about the interview.

Personal Activities: Do one of the following activities thoughtfully, carefully, and as it serves your needs. Do not choose this option if you are not willing to do the research and emotional work needed to complete it well. Also in order to get credit for this activity you must be willing to share your results with me. This is a personal decision that you need to make. (Note: this does not mean that you can¹t complete this activity for yourself and not submit it for credit! I would encourage all of you to do all of these when you can.)

1. Complete thoughtfully and fully a Five Wishes document (see Five Wishes handout).

2. Draw up a plan for the activities you would wish to follow your death (wake, funeral, memorial service, cremation, burial, tree planting, etc.) Provide a full and thoughtful script as a guide to the person(s) who will be carrying out your wishes. Indicate clearly who you expect those person(s) to be. You can even go so far as to pre-arrange burial/cremation etc. with a funeral home.

3. Research what guidelines, policies, and resources your employer offers in terms of a) extended illness b) caregiving for someone who is gravely ill or dying or 3) bereavement. Develop a set of resources and guidelines that you think your employer should consider adopting.