The term means investigating mechanism, forensics, social aspects of death

The Catholic Register
LONDON, Ont. (CCN)



Studying at King's University College in London, Ont., Mark Shelvock is hoping to teach others what he's learned already: the key to happiness can be found in an exploration of death.

Shocked to discover the school had no academic club attached to its thanatology department, unlike most of the school's departments, Shelvock formed the Than Club in 2015.

"I began to take thanatology classes and instantly fell in love with the subject matter," said Shelvock. "After seeing how death education drastically changed my perception in a positive way, I felt it was important to get people to also start talking about thanatology."

Thanatology, the scientific study of death, investigates the mechanism and the forensic aspects of death as well as its wider social aspects.

Last year, the club, which facilitates "intellectual stimulation through social situations regarding the fields of death, dying, and bereavement in an academic but friendly and welcoming setting," held its inaugural meeting.

Conversations regarding cultural perspectives on death, the dying process, and loss associated with death are stimulated through interactive workshops and lectures from guest speakers, as well as the recognition of culturally significant celebrations of death such as All Souls Day.

The inaugural meeting drew 23 students and two professors, said Shelvock.

Although the target audience is the 644 students enrolled in at least one of the school's 21 thanatology courses, Shelvock said any member of the King's student body and staff are welcome to join.

The student-run club is managed by Shelvock, co-founder Erin Subick, and vice presidents Haley Turner and Yvonne Mawson.

"At our first event it was amazing to see how open the students and faculty were and how excited they are to continue attending the events," said Turner, a thanatology and psychology double-major.

"I joined the Than Club because I wanted to be able to connect with other students who are interested in learning about death, dying, and bereavement in an open environment where no judgments are made. I love coming to a place so open where I can learn from others and find out what I can do after my education is complete."

Thanatology alumni leave with a degree which allows them to apply to post-graduate programs such as law school, medical school, and a variety of therapy programs.

Eunice Gorman, a local professor, nurse, and social worker, is the club's faculty adviser.

Associate professor Darcy Harris said these conversations are essential to students even though most of them are still in their early 20s.

"Thanatology isn't about morbidly studying death, but really about appreciating life and learning how to live as fully as possible," he said. "Many of the students in our program have experienced significant losses in their lives, both death and unrelated to death, and they find the courses meaningful."

Shelvock agreed. "Simply put, grief and loss are universal," he said. "Thanatology is a fascinating and unique topic which ought to be celebrated. The club is very beneficial to the King's community as we seek to enhance the learning opportunities.

"Thanatology really gives students an appreciation of life."