PSYC 3570 University of Guelph What Really Matters at the End of Life Questions

Discussions 1 – 2:

To give you an opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking about topics in the course, beginning in Unit 03 and Unit 09, a discussion topic will be released where you will provide a response set to a given discussion topic or question posted in the discussion forum.

A response set consists of two parts:

• Personal Response Post – Post a personal response (750-800 words)

Posts must be as close as possible to the specified word limit above. Writing concisely to convey critical thinking about course content is an important academic skill to develop. Making a personal and/or peer response post that is less than or exceeds the specified word limit will affect the grade received.

Content of Posts:

It is expected that the readings for the course (Kastenbaum’s text and Dr. Pitt’s Lecture Notes) and the respective article or A/V clip specific to each Discussion will help inform your responses.

It is important that you provide a balance of your critical thinking and supportive in-text citations. 

The focus on Unit 3 is Dying. As has been discussed so far in this course, there has been a significant shift in how individuals in general view, and discuss, death and dying. Chapter 4 in the text and Dr. Pitt’s Lecture Notes provide interesting information about this important phase of life. Dr. BJ Miller is a physician specializing in hospice and palliative medicine. Through his professional experience, but also a significant personal experience, Dr. Miller advocates for the importance of helping his patients create a dignified, graceful end of life.TED Talk – Dr. BJ Miller – What Really Matters at the End of Life (19 mins)https://www.ted.com/talks/bj_miller_what_really_matters_at_the_end_of_life/up-next?referrer=playlist-new_ways_to_think_about_deathWatch the TED Talk in which Dr. Miller discusses what matters at the end of life.What struck you as interesting with Dr. Miller’s comments – both from your personal and future professional standpoint?What stood out for you in his presentation?What do you want to know more about in relation to supporting individuals who are dying? Note – Do not focus on the brief comments made by Dr. Miller about hospitals and dying. Much has changed in Canada regarding the palliative care of patients in hospitals. In your personal and peer response posts, incorporate material from the TED Talk, the text and Dr. Pitt’s Lecture Notes on Chapter 4 that reflects your understanding of dying. Please see the description of the Discussion Posts in the Assessment section – Table of Contents for the specific parameters of making personal and peer response posts.