Instruction
PURPOSE
The purpose of this assignment is to provide the student with knowledge of a topic related to multicultural or spiritual aspects of death and dying, or grief and loss that is different from your own.
AREA OF FOCUS
Cultural background strongly influences expressions of grief and loss. As future helping professionals, it is essential to be knowledgeable about cultural factors which may impact a person’s grief process. Choose either a cultural background such as, but not limited to, European (Italian, Polish, Irish, etc.), Indian, Native American (Navajo, Tuscarora, Seneca, etc.), African-American, or Hispanic (Mexican, Puerto-Rican, Cuban, etc.) OR a religious background such as, but not limited to, Catholicism, Judaism, Hinduism, Muslim, Buddhist, or Evangelical Christian.
FORMAT
Addressing the sample topics (listed below) throughout, write a research paper ranging from a minimum of 7 pages to a maximum of 8 pages, typed, double spaced, and using Times New Roman 12 point font, accompanied by a cover page and reference list. A minimum of 7 professional citations and references about the issue are required. References must be professional journal articles or books and no more than two professional internet resources. The paper must follow APA guidelines.
EVALUATION
The issue paper is worth 35% of the total grade.
Spiritual/Cultural Beliefs and Assumptions about Death and Beyond
Examples of what to include in this section:
• The physical and symbolic boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead.
• Is the dying process a public or private event?
• The degree of social stigma is attached to those dying, dead, or grieving.
• The death socialization of children and their involvement in the funeral ritual.
• The taboo status of the topic of death and grieving.
Spiritual/Cultural Death Practices Discuss Potential Examples:
• Rituals
• Art, music, literature, drama, etc.
• Body preparation after death
• Viewing of the body
• Funeral
Spiritual/Cultural View of Grief and Counseling
• How is grief experienced? Individually? Family-centered? Privately? As a community? • How is counseling viewed?
• Do people/families typically seek counseling if needed?
• If counseling is sought, what might be some potential barriers?
Religious/Spiritual/Cultural Community Resources
Discuss Potential Examples: • Self-help organizations
• Agency resources • Traditional healers
• Natural support systems
• Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc.
STUDENTS
I take the act of plagiarism and reusing of previously written student papers very seriously. Please know that I will be running your papers through a detection program, as well as reviewing previously written student work to determine if you have used another student's paper from a previous semester. If I detect either plagiarism or the submission of another student's work as your own, you will automatically receive a failing grade.