What factors that have contributed to changes in death customs from the nineteenth to the twentieth century. Trace the changing causes of death in 1900 through today, paying particular attention to the effects of the "epidemiologic transition." Explain the ways in which language and humor can be used to distance people from the reality of death. Identify three kinds of “death talk” and explain the function of each using specific examples. How do television portrayals of violent death reflect the “mean world” syndrome, e.g., the recent London Underground and bus bombings? What effects do these protrayals have on our feelings of safety and security in our own places of residence. What reasons can you come up with for studying death and dying, using both the discussion in the text and your personal life experience. **note: write paper in essay format, few cited sources necessary**