Suffering and the Human Condition

Suffering is an inevitable yet poorly understood feature of human existence. This course examines how societies respond to the puzzling reality of human anguish. Among the questions it addresses are the following: What is suffering? Which types of human affliction are unique to the modern world? Have the meaning and portrayal of suffering changed over time? Do digital media sensitize or desensitize us to the anguish of distant others? In addition to introducing students to academic litera

• Develop a deeper understanding of human suffering
• Identify different types and sources of suffering
• Assess trends in manifestations of suffering
• Critically evaluate framing of suffering in social media