We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Don Grant
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/xee70j/suffering
Here's a deal for you
Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
What is suffering and should we study it?
In this module, you will learn why human suffering is such a difficult issue to study.
What are the different forms and causes of suffering?
Read more
Syllabus
What is suffering and should we study it?
In this module, you will learn why human suffering is such a difficult issue to study.
What are the different forms and causes of suffering?
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Delves into an aspect of the human condition that is rooted in philosophy and sociology
Covers the evolution of understandings of human suffering, providing both historical context and modern perspectives
Taught by a subject matter expert with research interest in the subject matter of this course
Suits those interested in exploring suffering from a unique, non-medical perspective
Requires reading academic literature and engaging in debates, appealing to those comfortable with these modes of learning
Does not appear to have hands-on labs or interactive materials
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Exploring anguish: a philosophical journey
This course appears to offer a deep dive into the human experience of suffering, examining its various forms, historical contexts, and modern manifestations. Based on the syllabus, learners can expect to explore complex philosophical and sociological questions, such as how societies respond to anguish and the impact of digital media. The curriculum suggests a focus on understanding types of suffering unique to the modern world and how its meaning has evolved. It aims to introduce an academic method for studying affliction, potentially culminating in discussions around contentious issues. This course seems well-suited for those seeking a broad, conceptual understanding rather than practical skills.
Explores contentious issues surrounding human suffering.
"The 'Choose Your Controversy' module sounds very engaging and promises to tackle difficult, important topics."
"I'm interested in how the course will delve into two highly contentious issues related to human suffering."
"I anticipate this section will foster critical thinking and discussion around complex ethical dilemmas."
Introduces a specific academic method for studying human affliction.
"The promise of learning a method for studying human affliction sounds like a unique and valuable academic skill."
"I expect to learn how to identify actors who perpetuate suffering, which could be insightful for further study."
"This methodological aspect seems to distinguish it from purely philosophical courses."
Provides an essential historical context to the understanding of suffering.
"I find the historical framing of suffering fascinating; I'm curious how its meaning has shifted over time."
"This module appears to trace how human anguish has been conceived and portrayed throughout history, which is valuable context."
"I expect to gain a broader understanding by seeing how past societies viewed and dealt with suffering."
Addresses contemporary manifestations and societal responses to suffering.
"I'm keen to learn about the unique types of suffering prevalent in our modern society."
"The module on how digital media affects our perception of distant anguish seems incredibly relevant today."
"I look forward to understanding how modern forms of suffering manifest in the world around us."
Focuses on the theoretical and philosophical understanding of suffering.
"I anticipate a rigorous exploration of what suffering truly entails and why it's so challenging to study."
"The course structure suggests a strong emphasis on understanding the various forms and causes of human anguish from an academic perspective."
"I expect to gain a deep conceptual grasp of the human condition, rather than practical applications for specific skills."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Suffering and the Human Condition with these
activities:
Practice Mindfulness Techniques
Show steps
Introduces students to practical strategies for managing and reducing suffering in their own lives, complementing the course's theoretical exploration.
Show steps
-
Learn basic mindfulness techniques such as body scans, breath awareness, and meditation.
-
Practice these techniques regularly, focusing on observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment.
Review core computing theory
Show steps
Reviewing basic computing theory concepts will provide a solid foundation for this course
Browse courses on
Data Science
Show steps
-
Read through materials from a college-level computing theory textbook
-
Take a practice quiz on computing theory concepts
Review The Moral Animal
Show steps
Examines the intersection of evolutionary psychology and morality, which aligns with the course's focus on the nature of human suffering.
View
Why Buddhism is True
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on the key concepts of evolutionary psychology.
-
Create a mind map or diagram to visualize the relationships between different moral behaviors and their evolutionary origins.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Online Resources on Mental Health
Show steps
Provides students with access to reputable and evidence-based information on mental health, complementing the course's exploration of the psychological dimensions of suffering.
Show steps
-
Visit the websites of reputable organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
-
Read articles, watch videos, and explore interactive resources related to mental health conditions and coping mechanisms.
Join a Support Group
Show steps
Connects students with others who have experienced similar forms of suffering, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.
Show steps
-
Research support groups in your local area or online that focus on the types of suffering discussed in the course.
-
Attend meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions.
Write a Personal Narrative
Show steps
Offers students a chance to reflect on and articulate their own experiences with suffering, deepening their understanding of its personal and subjective nature.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific experience or incident that has caused you significant suffering.
-
Write a detailed and vivid account of the experience, including your thoughts, emotions, and reactions.
-
Analyze the experience and identify the factors that contributed to your suffering.
Develop a Plan for Coping with Suffering
Show steps
Provides students with a structured framework for developing personalized coping strategies, empowering them to proactively address and manage suffering.
Show steps
-
Identify the specific types of suffering you experience and the triggers that lead to them.
-
Develop a list of coping mechanisms that you can implement in different situations.
-
Create a written plan that outlines your coping strategies and how you will apply them.
Contribute to Open-Source Projects
Show steps
Engages students in a practical and collaborative learning experience that enhances their technical skills and exposes them to real-world applications of suffering.
Show steps
-
Identify open-source projects that focus on issues related to suffering, such as mental health support or disaster relief.
-
Contribute to these projects by fixing bugs, writing documentation, or developing new features.
Practice Mindfulness Techniques
Show steps
Introduces students to practical strategies for managing and reducing suffering in their own lives, complementing the course's theoretical exploration.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Learn basic mindfulness techniques such as body scans, breath awareness, and meditation.
- Practice these techniques regularly, focusing on observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment.
Review core computing theory
Show steps
Reviewing basic computing theory concepts will provide a solid foundation for this course
Browse courses on
Data Science
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through materials from a college-level computing theory textbook
- Take a practice quiz on computing theory concepts
Review The Moral Animal
Show steps
Examines the intersection of evolutionary psychology and morality, which aligns with the course's focus on the nature of human suffering.
View
Why Buddhism is True
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on the key concepts of evolutionary psychology.
- Create a mind map or diagram to visualize the relationships between different moral behaviors and their evolutionary origins.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Online Resources on Mental Health
Show steps
Provides students with access to reputable and evidence-based information on mental health, complementing the course's exploration of the psychological dimensions of suffering.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the websites of reputable organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Read articles, watch videos, and explore interactive resources related to mental health conditions and coping mechanisms.
Join a Support Group
Show steps
Connects students with others who have experienced similar forms of suffering, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research support groups in your local area or online that focus on the types of suffering discussed in the course.
- Attend meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions.
Write a Personal Narrative
Show steps
Offers students a chance to reflect on and articulate their own experiences with suffering, deepening their understanding of its personal and subjective nature.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific experience or incident that has caused you significant suffering.
- Write a detailed and vivid account of the experience, including your thoughts, emotions, and reactions.
- Analyze the experience and identify the factors that contributed to your suffering.
Develop a Plan for Coping with Suffering
Show steps
Provides students with a structured framework for developing personalized coping strategies, empowering them to proactively address and manage suffering.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the specific types of suffering you experience and the triggers that lead to them.
- Develop a list of coping mechanisms that you can implement in different situations.
- Create a written plan that outlines your coping strategies and how you will apply them.
Contribute to Open-Source Projects
Show steps
Engages students in a practical and collaborative learning experience that enhances their technical skills and exposes them to real-world applications of suffering.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source projects that focus on issues related to suffering, such as mental health support or disaster relief.
- Contribute to these projects by fixing bugs, writing documentation, or developing new features.
Career center
Learners who complete Suffering and the Human Condition will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Theologian
Theologian
Theologians study religion and its relationship to human existence. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the religious dimensions of suffering.
Philosopher
Philosopher
Philosophers study fundamental questions about life, reality, and knowledge. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the philosophical dimensions of human suffering.
Chaplain
Chaplain
Chaplains provide spiritual support to people in hospitals, prisons, and other institutions. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the role of spirituality in coping with suffering.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers help students learn and grow. This course may be useful for teachers who want to understand how to create a more supportive and compassionate learning environment for their students.
Nurse
Nurse
Nurses provide care and support to patients and their families. This course may be useful for nurses who want to understand the causes of human suffering and how to help their patients cope with it.
Counselor
Counselor
Counselors help people cope with personal and emotional challenges. This course may be useful for counselors who want to understand the causes of human suffering and how to help their clients overcome it.
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctor
Medical doctors diagnose and treat physical and mental illnesses. This course may be useful for medical doctors who want to improve their ability to understand the emotional and psychological aspects of their patients' suffering.
Activist
Activist
Activists work to promote social and political change. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the causes of suffering and how to work towards alleviating it.
Historian
Historian
Historians study the past. This course helps build a foundation for understanding how the meaning and portrayal of suffering has changed over time.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists report on current events and issues. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of suffering.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. This course helps build a foundation for understanding how different cultures perceive and respond to suffering.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study human societies and social behavior. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the social causes of suffering.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologists help people understand and cope with mental health issues. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the psychological aspects of suffering.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the psychological aspects of suffering.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social workers help people navigate crises and develop skills for managing challenges. This course may be useful for social workers who want to understand the causes of human suffering and how to alleviate it.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/xee70j/suffering
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Suffering and the Human Condition.
Memoir by a Holocaust survivor who argues that even in the face of great suffering, humans can find meaning in their lives. Frankl's work powerful reminder of the human spirit's resilience.
Memoir of a survivor of the Soviet gulag system. Solzhenitsyn's work powerful indictment of the evils of totalitarianism.
Save
Is an autobiography of a Holocaust survivor who found meaning in his life by helping others. Frankl's work powerful reminder of the human spirit's resilience.
Save
Philosophical essay that explores the meaning of life in the face of absurdity. Camus argues that we can find meaning in our lives even if the world is ultimately meaningless.
Post-apocalyptic novel that tells the story of a father and son who are trying to survive in a world that has been ravaged by war. McCarthy's work powerful exploration of the human condition in the face of extreme suffering.
Save
Novel that tells the story of a bubonic plague outbreak in Oran, Algeria. Camus uses the plague as a metaphor for the absurdity of life and the human condition.
Save
Argues that the fear of death major motivator in human behavior. Becker argues that we can only truly understand ourselves if we confront our own mortality.
Save
Journalistic investigation of the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Strobel's work well-written and informative exploration of one of the most important questions in human history.
Save
Philosophical examination of the problem of suffering. Blackburn argues that there is no easy answer to the question of why suffering exists, but he offers some helpful insights into the ethical implications of suffering.
Theological exploration of the problem of suffering. Rahner argues that suffering can be a source of growth and redemption.
Guide to living and dying based on the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Rinpoche offers insights into the nature of suffering and how to find peace and happiness in the face of adversity.
Novel that tells the story of a young boy who is forced to flee his home in Afghanistan. Hosseini's work powerful exploration of the themes of guilt, redemption, and the human condition.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/xee70j/suffering
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Don Grant
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Caring for Others. It's comprised of three courses:
- The Challenges of Modern Caregiving
- Thinking About Care
- Suffering and the Human Condition (viewing)
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser