COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

All courses carry 3 credits except for the two Clinical Cooperative courses, which each carry 5 credits for a minimum of 400 clock hours of practical experience. The total number of semester credits earned is 67. SK099 and DS099 carry no credits. Some courses have prerequisite courses. A prerequisite course is one, which MUST be passed before the higher-level course can be taken.  Clinical Cooperative I may be taken only after a student has earned a minimum of 35 semester credits and passed the prerequisite courses. Clinical Cooperative II MUST be taken the semester immediately following completion of Clinical Cooperative I.  Reflections (RF302) only may be taken in either of the last two terms of study.  Comprehensive Studies (RV232) MUST be taken during the student’s last term.   Academic Calendar

SS101 Introduction to Social Science*   (Prerequisite for PS212)                                       
      In this basic course the students will gain a broad general introduction to the social sciences, primarily psychology and sociology, in order to understand the more advanced courses such as Grief Psychology, Sociology, History and  Funeral Directing. This course also will aid students in improving their reading and writing abilities.  It also will review study skills and how successfully to apply them as they study. Skills such as note taking, time allotment, determination of the most relevant course information and the best environmental conditions for study are reviewed using the course data and concepts as an example. 
PS101 Principles of Science*@ (Prerequisite for NS201)                  
       The basic language of the sciences will be the focus of this course.  Study and use of word parts—prefix, word root and suffix-- will be stressed.  While scientific words used in all areas of science will be studied, elementary anatomy mainly will be considered to reinforce the language used in the advanced courses.  In addition, improvement of study skills especially needed for learning and remembering the words and concepts in a science course will be reviewed.
BB101 Business Basics*  (Prerequisite for EB221, MM230 and CT230)
      A survey of elementary Accounting, Computing Skills, Small Business Management and Law will be covered. Fundamental math skills are reviewed. Business terms and concepts that are introduced will be followed up in the subsequent business related courses. 
CM101  Introduction Chemistry/Microbiology*@  (Prerequisite for EC212 and SP221)
       The basic principles of each of these disciplines will be discussed.  Students will study aspects of basic inorganic chemistry including modern atomic theory and organic chemistry including the 12 basic molecular types. The chemistry of disinfection and sterilization will be reviewed. Pathogens and the diseases they cause, prevention of disease, some of the mechanisms for disease communication and ­how to protect the population from transmission of infections will be covered.
SE102  Issues and Concerns for Modern Professionals
Funeral service personnel are often too busy to allow themselves time to experience funeral related seminars, museums, or other death care related institutions within a close distance from the firm at which they work.  This course will allow the professional to experience a wider range of information and understanding than he/she would otherwise have.  Often this information is not and cannot be provided by academic courses.  Examples of course work include participation in field trips, conferences, exhibits, listening to in-house speakers such as allied health professionals, clergy, and grief caregivers, as well as funeral service professionals.  In addition this seminar course will require some readings and reports.
NS201  Understanding the Human Body*@  (Prerequisite for EM221, PA230 and RA230)
      This course is in the realm of natural science based on anatomy and physiology.  It is introductory in nature, covers general information of practical use to any student interested knowing about the structure and function of the human body. The course is systems oriented with emphasis on osteology, muscles, circulation, and the respiratory, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, digestive and nervous systems.  Topics also will include anatomical and physiological terms, planes of reference and body cavities and their content.
EC212  Embalming Chemistry*@  (Prerequisite for EM221, CC306 and CC307)
      An introduction to the basic principles of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry, will be followed by the chemistry of disinfection, embalming and cosmetology. The nature of decomposition, formulation of embalming chemicals and disinfectants and their functions are stressed. Emphasis is placed on chemical terms and reactions which are necessary to appreciate the need to retard decomposition, prevent the spread of disease and aid in making the remains presentable to the bereaved.
FP212  The Funeral Profession*
     This course begins with a brief history of funeral service. It covers topics from the ancient civilizations' death and burial customs through the middle ages and the renaissance to the rise of medical embalmers and the English undertaker.  It  examines the rise of North American funeral customs from early colonial times to the development of the contemporary funeral practices. Important differences and similarities between the various religious traditions prevalent in modern American society will be discussed.  The psychological, sociological and religious purposes of the funeral service are discussed.  Lastly, the sociologic implications of  funeralization are given.  This includes a discussion of the changes in symbolism and customs of funeral service resulting from changes in the family structure in this country. Woven throughout this course is an emphasis of helping the student to communicate information learned, through verbal and written means, to their classmates.
PS212 Psychology of Grief*
     In this advanced psychology course students will gain an understanding of the phases of grief, and what the funeral director can expect from client families in grief. The influence of the bereaved person’s culture and religion, and of the psychological and sociological environment in which the bereaved lives on grief and mourning will be considered. The differences between grief counseling and grief therapy are discussed. The process for making referrals to competent professionals of persons experiencing complicated mourning is considered. The role of the funeral director as a crisis intervention counselor who guides client families through arranging a meaningful funeral is developed. Finally, the effect of stress and possible burn out of the funeral director will be covered.
FD221 Funeral Directing*
     The practical aspects of funeral directing and operations of the funeral home as a small business are the emphasis of this course. Family interactions during home removal of the body and discussions at the home of the deceased, meetings with the family at the funeral home, merchandise selection, crisis counseling, the role of the funeral director at the wake or calling hours, and also at the place of the service will be examined. How to handle difficult families or situations will be discussed. Role playing is an important part of these aspects of the course. Filling out of death certificates, various government benefit forms, filing death notices and burial permits will be covered. Additional considerations of the management of the funeral home as a small business and the religious and cultural variations across the population are considered.
EB221 Essentials of Business
     Basic accounting practices will be reviewed and those concepts pertaining to funeral service will be emphasized.  This course also will review the practical use of computers in funeral service. Lastly, management principles as they affect funeral service and the interaction with families and the community will be reviewed.
EM221 Embalming (must be taken before or concurrent with CC306)
       Initially the history and the reasons for the development of embalming will be reviewed.  The changes which occur from immediately before the death to shortly following the death and how these changes impact the embalming procedure will be examined. The various pieces of equipment used for the embalming procedure and the way in which they work will be discussed.  A review of the chemistry of decomposition and of embalming plus the anatomy of the circulatory system including the triangles, vessels used and the anatomical guides and lines will be emphasized. The OSHA hazard communication standard and the Medical Waste Tracking Act also will be examined.
SP221 Sanitation, Microbiology & Public Health (Prerequisite for PA230)
     With special application to funeral service, this course examines the basic principles of microbial physiology and immunology. The significant areas covered are disinfection, control, prevention, pathology and epidemiology of bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan diseases.  The role of these organisms in decomposition, the position of the funeral director in public health, the basic concepts of disinfection and sanitary consideration of other health measures such as waste safeguards in the preparation room and the purification and chemical disposal will be examined.
LE230  Law and Ethics*
The purpose of this course is to examine the areas of law and ethics. The course will begin with a study of Business Law. During this phase of the course, students will examine federal, state and local legal requirements forconducting business. Since Mortuary Law is of major importance to students studying to be funeral service professsionals, much of the course will examine those local, state and federal laws which involve consumers arranging for funerals, both at-need and pre-need. Discussion of funeral funding plans such as trust funds and life insurance will also be included. The legal aspects of employer/employee relations in the funeral home, and the law governing actions of funeral directors as agents are also considered. Last, students will consider the major role that ethics plays in the funeral business and life of the funeral director/embalmer.
RA230 Restorative Art
      The purpose for this course is to provide the student with the techniques, terminology and basic principles of restorative art.  The anatomy of the facial area and the hands will be reinforced.  Practical experience using mortuary cosmetics, waxes and heads to produce facial features and a complete head and face is an important feature of this course. The course will prepare the student for the reconstruction of body parts distorted by traumatic injury and disease. The theory of color and its relation to displays of the deceased, chapel and casket display room lighting and various restorative art techniques and concepts is emphasized. An overview of cosmetics, a review of the composition of mortuary cosmetics and their use also will be included in this course.
PA230 Human Pathology
      This course introduces the student to the basics of pathology beginning with the history of pathology followed by terms necessary to discuss diseases and their implications. Later discussions of the major diseases affecting the body systems and their impact on embalming and restorative art are discussed. Importance is placed on the recognition and descriptions of diseases which are contagious at or shortly following the death. Safety measures involving removals and embalming are discussed.
MM230 Marketing and Merchandising
       Merchandising and pricing techniques plus methods of display within casket/vault/clothing selection area and The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule will be discussed in detail.  This course also will examine the evolution of the funeral director's role as a provider of funeral goods and services.  Construction of caskets, coffins, and outer burial containers and the material of which they are made will be examined.  Several theories of casket display and mark-up and pricing strategies will be considered in depth.
RV232 Comprehensive Studies
      Students will take this course during their last academic term to review and re-enforce the information, which was covered and learned in their FINE course work. Only those topics tested on the National Board Exam (NBE) will be reviewed. Students will be required to submit completed homework via email before each weekly course exam can be taken.
RF302 Reflections
     This course, taken during the student’s next to last or last term at FINE, emphasizes understanding and appreciation of communication skills as they relate to selection, organization and expression of ideas.  In written presentations, grammar and spelling as well as content will be evaluated.  Reading and speaking skills plus writing assignments, including documented papers will develop the student’s ability to communicate more clearly and effectively.  Students will be expected to use computer databases to research information for papers and oral presentations.  Two Major objectives of this course are: 1. To aid the student in reflecting on his/her FINE educational experience and; 2. to help him/her begin to think about continuing to apply the education and practical experiences encountered at FINE following graduation. 
CC306 Clinical Cooperative I (Internship)  
See details for necessary pre-requisites within section herein called Clinical Cooperative
      The purpose of CC306, Clinical Cooperative I, “Embalming Portion” is to provide the student with practical instruction and active participation in the embalming of human remains, including but not limited to:  personal protective equipment and “Universal Precautions”, cleaning and disinfection of remains, pre-embalming treatments, the embalming, post-embalming treatments and restorative operations, cosmetizing, dressing and casketing of the remains.   Students will learn and apply all applicable OSHA requirements, state, local and federal regulations related to the care of the dead and the operation and maintenance of a funeral home establishment. 
CC307 Clinical Cooperative II (Internship)
See details necessary for pre-requisites within section herein called Clinical Cooperative
      While students are expected in to constantly practice and improve their embalming and funeralization skills throughout the duration of the two-part course, the main focus of CC307 is to become familiar with the business and legal aspects of maintaining a successful funeral business. At the onset of the course students will attend a seminar in which the proper necessities of making funeral arrangements by the funeral director are presented and practiced.  The student, later in the course, will conduct a Mock Arrangement while being observed by a FINE licensed funeral service professional. The student also is expected to gain experience under the watchful eye of the Preceptor in displaying and marketing merchandise, become aware of and dealing with the relationship between costs and income when running a successful firm and the necessity and ways of promoting the funeral home in the community.  Only by repeated practice under the guidance of the Preceptor can the student hope to gain confidence and skills not only to complete a funeral on his/her own, but also to maintain a successful funeral business.
SK099 Study Skills Improvement (Carries no course credits)
      This course will help students who come to FINE deficient in study and reading skills gain the ability to read and comprehend course materials and to organize their course work in order to study it efficiently and remember the necessary information. Memorizing skills, highlighting, making and using flash cards, selecting the important concepts from large bodies of material and other usual techniques to aid student learning will be reviewed. Using the Multimedia Center as a tool for research, learning critical evaluation and thinking, and gaining the benefits of beginning on the path of life long learning will be emphasized. This course is recommended to academically weak students and is mandatory for students whose cumulative GPA falls twice below 2.0 while studying at FINE.
DS099 Directed Studies (taken with a selected basic academic course for credit)
     Since most of the material on quizzes and exams at FINE are covered in classroom lectures, this course will focus on the techniques of listening, observation, note taking and testing to assist students in making better use of the classroom lecture as a fundamental learning tool and to suggest strategies for reading and answering test questions.  Students enrolled in Directed Studies must be simultaneously enrolled in the same selected FINE introductory course such as: Introduction to the Social Sciences, Business Basics, etc.  The course content of the Directed Studies course will be drawn from the selected introductory course.  For example, a discussion on note taking might include an analysis of a tape-recorded segment of an actual lecture from the introductory course.
(Note:  This is a Pass-Fail course from which NO academic credits are gained)

* Available as Distance Education (Study at Home) and In-House Courses
@  Must have permission from FINE to be taken as a Distance Education Course.

LINKS TO:

- DISTANCE EDUCATION PDF

- CURRENT STUDENT PAGE

- PROSPECTIVE STUDENT PAGE

- ACADEMIC CALENDAR

 

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