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Suffering and the Human Condition
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 9 hours
  • Course by University of Colorado Boulder
  • Offered by

About

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.

Modules

Introductory Course Materials

    • 1 Videos
    • 5 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Introduce Yourself

1 Videos

  • Course Capstone Project Overview

5 Readings

  • Nursing Continuing Professional Development Contact Hours
  • Teacher Education University Credit from CU Boulder
  • Caring for Others Facebook Group
  • Video: Course Capstone Project: Daniela Papi-Thornton
  • Capstone Project

What is suffering?

    • 5 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • The Term Suffering

5 Videos

  • Introduction to Suffering and the Human Condition
  • What is suffering? Part I: Suffering as Qualitatively Different Than Pain
  • What is suffering? Part II: Limitations of the Dualistic Understanding of Suffering
  • What is suffering? Part III: Alternative Understandings
  • What is suffering? Part IV: How Photography Changed Our Exposure to Suffering

2 Readings

  • Video: Empathy: The Human Connection to Patient Care
  • Decartes and Dualism

Should we study suffering?

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • What is suffering and should we study it?

2 Videos

  • Should we study suffering? Part I: Arguments Against Studying Suffering
  • Should we study suffering? Part II: Arguments For Studying Suffering

The Classical Sociologists

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • What are the different forms and causes of suffering?

3 Videos

  • What Durkheim Said About Suffering
  • What Marx Said About Suffering
  • What Weber Said About Suffering

1 Readings

  • National Public Radio Survey: "3 Out Of 5 Americans Are Lonely.”

Evidence that Things are Getting Worse

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • How much suffering is in the world today?

4 Videos

  • Suffering in the World Today Part I: Anomie and Deviance
  • Suffering in the World Today Part II: Poverty and Inequality
  • Suffering in the World Today Part III: Meaninglessness, Systematic Violence, and Unforeseen Dangers
  • Suffering in the World Today Part IV: Improvements and Conclusion

1 Readings

  • “The Great Paradox of Our Time: Everything is Both Better and Worse Than Ever Before"

Sacred/Religious Understandings of Suffering

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Suffering as Sacred or Secular

1 Videos

  • The Meaning and Portrayal of Suffering Part I: Sacred/Religious Understandings

1 Readings

  • “How Natural Disasters Can Be Faith-Challenging Experiences"

Secular/Scientific Understandings of Suffering

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • The Meaning and Portrayal of Suffering Part II: Secular/Scientific Understandings

How Americans View Suffering

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • The Meaning and Portrayal of Suffering Part III: American Views

How Journalists and Social Scientists Portray Suffering Differently

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Has the meaning and portrayal of suffering changed over time?

2 Videos

  • The Meaning and Portrayal of Suffering Part IV: Journalism vs. Social Science
  • The Meaning and Portrayal of Suffering Part V: Journalism vs. Social Science Part 2

2 Readings

  • Video about Child Neglect
  • “The Disadvantage of Sensationalism in the Media”

Is religion the cause of terrorism?

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Religion and Terrorism

1 Discussions

  • Religion and Terrorism

3 Videos

  • Religion and Terrorism Part I: Questionable Assumptions About the Nature of Religion
  • Religion and Terrorism Part II: Religion is Not the Problem but it is Problematic
  • Religion and Terrorism Part III: Can religion be made less problematic?

1 Readings

  • “You Shouldn’t Blame Islam for Terrorism. Religion Isn’t A Crucial Factor in Attacks”

Does digital media sensitize or desensitize Western countries to the suffering of distant others?

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 PeerReview
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Digital Media

1 Peer Review

  • Suffering and the Human Condition

1 Discussions

  • Digital Media

2 Videos

  • Digital Media Part I: Empathy Machines vs. Instruments of Indifference
  • Digital Media Part II: How Spectators Talk and Respond to Suffering

1 Readings

  • “'Horrific' And 'Surreal': The Words We Use To Bear Witness”

Auto Summary

Dive into the profound exploration of human anguish with "Suffering and the Human Condition." This foundational course in Personal Development, offered by Coursera, delves into the complexities of suffering as an intrinsic part of human life. Under the guidance of expert instructors, learners will engage with critical questions such as the nature of suffering, its unique manifestations in the modern world, and the evolution of its meaning and depiction over time. The course also examines the impact of digital media on our sensitivity to global suffering. Throughout the 540-minute duration, students will not only gain insight into academic literature and debates but also acquire a specialized method to analyze and understand the perpetuators of human affliction. With subscription options available in both Starter and Professional tiers, this course is tailored for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human condition and the societal responses to suffering. Join us to develop a nuanced perspective on one of the most compelling aspects of human existence.

Don Grant
Instructor

Don Grant