November Psychology Course Spotlight: Grief

What is Grief? The Science and Humanity of Grief explored.

This month’s spotlight course is PSYC E-1017: Grief, an exploration of one of the most universal yet often unspoken human experiences. Students examine grief through psychological, anthropological, and sociological lenses. Asking profound questions about how we mourn, adapt, and find meaning across cultures and time. From Neanderthal burial practices to modern approaches to healing, this course offers a compassionate and research-based understanding of what it means to grieve, and to grow through loss.

Course Overview

PSYC E-1017: Gried

Format: Online Synchronous

This course examines grief as a complex, universal experience shaped by biology, culture, and history. Students investigate how loss is understood and expressed across societies, exploring themes such as bereavement rituals, resilience, and the search for meaning after loss. Through interdisciplinary readings and research, the class challenges assumptions about “normal” recovery and deepens understanding of grief’s role in the human experience.

Meet the Instructor

Dr. Cynthia Meyersburg

Dr. Cynthia Meyersburg is a renowned scholar and an expert in the field of psychology. She holds a terminal M.S. in developmental psychology from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. Her doctoral research at Harvard focused on false memory phenomena and how people develop unusual beliefs, which earned her numerous accolades and recognition.Dr. Meyersburg has been a faculty member at Coastal Carolina University and has worked as a research fellow for the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). Her work has also been featured in the Discovery Channel's Curiosity series.

Aside from her impressive academic and research accomplishments, Dr. Meyersburg is also an exceptional mentor, having received the Best Mentor Award at the first annual Harvard Extension Students Association (HESA) Spirit Awards ceremony. She is also a proud recipient of multiple teaching awards and has been appointed as a Lecturer for Harvard's Division of Continuing Education.

There are many cool facts about Dr. Meyersburg & here are just a few: She was a TA for Dr. Steven Pinker, Dr. Shelley Carson, & worked in Dr. Richard McNally's Lab. Her research covers topics such as grief, false memory phenomena, and Manchurian candidates. She has been featured on Big Picture Science and the Discovery Channel’s Curiosity Series.

Why Take This Course?

• Explore the Science of Grief: Examine psychological, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives to understand why and how humans grieve.

• Challenge Common Misconceptions: Rethink what “normal” grief looks like and learn to recognize the diversity of grieving experiences.

  Connect Theory to Humanity: Discover how grief shapes meaning, resilience, and connection across different times, places, and relationships.

  Apply Insights to Practice: Gain tools to approach grief with empathy and evidence-based understanding in research, care, and everyday life.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for students in psychology, counseling, social work, anthropology, or anyone interested in understanding the emotional, social, and cultural dimensions of loss. Whether your focus is clinical care, research, or personal growth, this class offers a deep and compassionate exploration of grief and resilience across the human experience.

If you’re ready to examine how grief shapes identity, connection, and meaning in life, PSYC E-1017: Grief is the course for you.

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