Students in the Death in Perspective gather outside a New Jersey funeral home, which they will tour with their professor, Norma Bowe, right. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Roger Jasiak visits a New Jersey funeral home along with other students in the Kean University class Death in Perspective. With him is the professor, Norma Bowe, who has taught the popular class for a decade. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Students in the class on death listen as a funeral home director describes services offered to families of people who have died. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Norma Bowe, left, walks with one of her students after their visit to a funeral home. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)