Good Death Instruction Resources

About

Death is an essential component of life that everyone will encounter. Given its fundamental role in the human experience, it is important to examine pedagogical practices surrounding death, dying, and bereavement. Existing literature pertaining to death education reveals several key benefits, including: reducing fear and anxiety surrounding death, equipping students with the tools they need to face these inevitable experiences, and helping students view death as a natural occurrence.

Overall, death education is underrepresented in academic settings and, when incorporated, it is rarely approached from an interdisciplinary perspective. The Good Death, taught at West Chester University, serves as a compelling example of how integrating multiple disciplines can offer students the tools, language, and space to critically engage with one of life’s most profound realities.

Learning Objectives

Analyze cultural & ethical dimensions of mortality
Understand & articulate philosophical perspectives on death
Engage with grief & mourning practices
Apply interdisciplinary approaches to end-of-life issues
Foster empathy & ethical sensitivity
Reflect on personal beliefs & attitudes towards death
Critically evaluate the role of media & literature in shaping death perceptions
Collaborate on discussions & projects addressing end-of-life issues
Explore the practicalities of end-of-life planning
Develop strategies for living well in the face of mortality

Starter Media List

Sources to Inspire Conversation and Assignments

The Order of the Good Death (Website)

The Order of the Good Death website was created by Caitlin Doughty, with the mission of increasing awareness surrounding death, dying, and bereavement. The website provides access to various resources, such as articles, videos, podcasts and more for people who are interested in learning more about these topics.
One Man’s Quest to Change the Way We Die by B.J. Miller (Article)

Jon Mooallem shares the experiences and work of B.J. Miller, a physician who experienced a life-altering incident in college. The article details Miller’s current work, which is developing a zen hospice to offer an alternative to dying in a sterile, impersonal, and often uncomfortable hospital setting.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalinithi (Book)
Paul Kalinithi writes about being diagnosed with, treated for, and eventually dying from lung cancer. In this memoir, Kalinithi reflects on his experience as he explores themes of identity, confronting mortality, legacy, and healthcare systems.
Perspectives on Death by Crash Course (Video)

Crash Course breaks down major philosophies that are commonly used to acknowledge and live with the idea of mortality. This video helps explain famous philosophers’ contribution to this field, the logic behind fear of death, and terror management theory. Through explaining the history and logic behind these thought patterns, this video provides viewers with insight into the human psyche as it pertains to the idea of death.
My Mushroom Burial Suit by Jae Rhim Lee (TedTalk)

During this TedTalk, Jae Rhim Lee describes a project she is working on called the mushroom burial suit. This suit is an alternative method to body disposal that is more environmentally friendly. This speech explores themes of sustainability and the funeral industry, as well as acceptance of death.
Extremis by Dan Krauss (Documentary)
This documentary, created by Netflix, shows what an average workday for hospital workers look like. The documentary takes place in the intensive care unit, and show cases difficult moments for both patients and doctors within the hospital. The documentary highlights the issues and gaps within the healthcare system, specifically focusing on communication, intensity, decision-making, and more.
How Fear of Death Drives Our Behavior by NPR (Podcast)

This podcast episode covers Terror Management Theory. The host talks to a leading scholar in Terror Management Theory to learn about the evolution of theory, the implications it has in everyday life, and the response scholars recieved after proposing the theory. The podcast discusses death avoidance and how Terror Management Theory relates to this.

Guest Speakers

The inclusion of guest speakers into LWL curriculum diversifies students' learning experience and provides additional perspectives in observing what constitutes a Good Life and a Good Death. For examples of guest speakers that the West Chester Good Life Hub has worked with, please view below:

Christopher Feryo, MS Thanatology, CT

Christopher is a graduate of Marian University with an M.S. degree in Thanatology and Mount Saint Mary's College with a B.S. degree, majoring in Economics and Fine Arts. He is also a graduate of Northampton College where he majored in Funeral Service Education. Chris is a Certified Funeral Celebrant and Certified End of Life Doula holding proficiency badges in After Death Care Education and Death Doula from National End of Life Doula Association. Chis is also Certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying, and Bereavement by the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC).

Niharika Ganta, MD, MPH, FAAHPM

Dr. Niharika Ganta, M.D., M.P.H., is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine and completed her medical and public health training at Temple University, residency in Internal Medicine at Yale University, and a fellowship in Integrated Geriatrics and Hospice & Palliative Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She currently serves as Chief of the Penn Palliative Care Program and Medical Director for Penn Home Palliative Care Program.

Bradley Flamm, PhD

Bradley Flamm has been the Director of West Chester University’s Office of Sustainability since 2017 and works with the large and diverse community of students, faculty, staff, and community partners who are active in WCU’s Sustainability Council. He holds a doctorate in City and Regional Planning from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in Regional Planning from Cornell University and brings to this work the knowledge and skills he has developed as a professional transportation planner, a researcher and teacher, a food security analyst and community development worker, and an environmental advocate.

Abdul Mughees

Abdul Mughees volunteers with the Islamic Society of Chester County as President of the Executive Committee and as a member of the interfaith team. Over the past 25 years, Abdul has led philanthropic initiatives focused on addressing food insecurity and supporting humanitarian causes such as March of Dimes, World Health Organization hunger relief efforts, refugee resettlement, the Rohingya crisis, The Salvation Army, and local soup kitchens. Abdul has also helped establish a Muslim burial process in the community and serves as a funeral director, and I remain actively engaged in interfaith efforts, educating and presenting about Islam to diverse religious groups.

Leadership and the Good Life