Description: What if grief isn’t something to “get over,” but something to grow through? Grief is a universal experience, yet many of us struggle to find healthy ways to process it. This course examines grief through the lens of the five commonly recognized stages, while emphasizing that grief is not linear and that every person’s journey is unique. To deepen understanding, students will engage with short stories, poems, and films that illustrate how grief is expressed across diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives. Beyond readings, assignments include reflective writing, group discussions, and creative projects that introduce different outlets for stress relief and healing—such as movement, mindfulness, and artistic expression. Guest speakers will share perspectives on navigating grief in personal and professional contexts, helping students connect theory to lived reality.
The goal of this course is not to provide therapy, but to equip students with lifelong tools for resilience, reflection, and coping. In a world where grief is always centered around death, students will leave with a richer understanding of grief and strategies to face it with compassion.