Using service learning in death education.

Abstract

The authors describe the integration of service learning into 2 upper-division general education death-related courses. An overview of these courses, 1 in sociology and 1 in political science, is followed by an explanation of the rationale and the specific ways in which service learning infused these educational offerings. The discussion then proceeds by outlining the preparation, action, reflection, and evaluation involved in making service learning an indispensable course feature. Feedback gathered from students, on-site supervisors, and the authors clearly indicates that this pedagogical strategy offers exciting potential for grounding death education in real life experiences.