This Essay has two parts. You are required to answer both. These are:

1. What would you consider to be a “good death”?
How would you want your funeral—if any—to be conducted? How would you want your remains to be dealt with? What type of memorial, obituary, or resting place would you prefer? Why?

2. Have your views about a “good death” and funeral/memorial/burial practices changed, given the perspectives on death and dying you have been exposed to in this class?

This is an ‘argumentative’ essay. Writing this paper in a merely reflective, casual tone will result in a lower grade. We are less interested in lone declarative statements about what you would like and more interested in both what and why you have chosen these elements as emblematic of a “good death.”

In your essay, be specific and use examples—positive or negative—to make your point. You should draw on at least four concepts that we’ve encountered in class readings, lectures, or discussions (see Rubric below for a note on these).

Essays should be 7-8 pages in length, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins and in a legible 12 pt font.

Essay III RUBRIC

Essay Introduction:

There is an introductory paragraph that defines the topic and lays out the trajectory of the paper. Thesis statement is clear, identifiable and grabs your attention.

Understanding of Essay

Paper shows strong understanding of essay prompts. Writer 1). explains what a “good death” entails and details elements that constitute such a death; and 2). explains how their views on death and dying have changed—or not—given their exposure to class material.

Correct Usage of Content

Clearly and correctly uses at least four different concepts or themes used in class. Draws on at least four sources (lecture counts as one; three written texts).

Essay Summary

Concluding paragraph that summarizes your main points/ideas (i.e. the main idea that the reader should come away with).

Presentation

Highly polished, with virtually no punctuation errors, great word choice, clear & compelling. Includes correct citations, page numbers and is formatted correctly.