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 literature and debates on these topics, Suffering and the Human Condition will give them the opportunity to learn a method for studying human affliction that identifies the actors that perpetuate it.
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About this Course
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Coursera Labs
Includes hands on learning projects.
Learn more about Coursera Labs Course 1 of 3 in the
Beginner Level
No prior background knowledge is required.
Approx. 8 hours to complete
English
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessWhat you will learn
Develop a deeper understanding of human suffering
Identify different types and sources of affliction
Assess trends in human anguish
Critically evaluate how suffering is framed by social media
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Coursera Labs
Includes hands on learning projects.
Learn more about Coursera Labs Course 1 of 3 in the
Beginner Level
No prior background knowledge is required.
Approx. 8 hours to complete
English
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessOffered by
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
2 hours to complete
What is suffering and should we study it?
2 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 25 min), 7 readings, 1 quiz
1 hour to complete
What are the different forms and causes of suffering?
1 hour to complete
3 videos (Total 19 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
1 hour to complete
How much suffering is in the world today?
1 hour to complete
4 videos (Total 12 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
1 hour to complete
Has the meaning and portrayal of suffering changed over time?
1 hour to complete
5 videos (Total 24 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
About the Caring for Others Specialization

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