Deadlines: The Obituary and Other Memorial Traditions
We will examine trends in obituaries, death notices, and other forms of memorial from the last two hundred years. Besides studying changes in the style and content of written obituaries published in newspapers, we will also consider other memorial trends, including the post-mortem photographs popular with families of the 19th century and, more recently, the explosion of obituary websites where those in mourning can post written remembrances, videos and photographs of the deceased, musical tributes etc. In addition to short readings, each student will write an obituary for a friend or family member (living or dead) and another one for him or herself. The second may be written or in some other format (i.e. video, website, etc.) of the student’s choosing.
This course is tentatively scheduled to meet on Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m.
Note: Please check the schedule of classes for the most up-to-date information about meeting times, locations, and availability.
About the professor
Dr. Christopher Stuart is Katharine H. Pryor Associate Professor of English at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His fear of his own mortality has led to his perverse fascination with all things mortuary.
Email: chris-stuart@utc.edu
Phone: 425.2140
