Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - GERO 300 D100

Introduction to Gerontology (3)

Class Number: 6777

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 18, 2020
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examination of the aging process from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Physical and health factors in aging, economic and vocational factors in aging, family and community relations of older people, social policy and politics of aging. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on normal aging. Students who have taken GERO 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Gero 300 will include a blend of live (synchronous) and at your own pace (asynchronous) learning each week. The synchronous portion will consist of a live lecture ~1 hour in length each week during scheduled class time. The asynchronous portion will consist of additional learning content available online on Canvas.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

  • Understand the scope and impact of population aging at the local and global level.
  • Differentiate key terms and concepts related to aging.
  • Identify and critique stereotypes/beliefs about aging and articulate the impact of ageism.
  • Recognize sources of diversity in the aging experience and describe the impact of environment, gender, race/ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic status on older adults.
  • Explain age-related progression/change in physical, psychological, and social domains. Identify key concepts/theories in these areas and link to real world scenarios.
  • Describe how social engagement, support, and care for older adults and their family/friends is bi-directional. Recognize that older adults are assets rather than liabilities to society.
  • Explain societal/institutional rules, regulations, and policies on aging in the areas of healthcare, work/retirement, and end-of-life. Identify gaps in services/programs.
  •  

Grading

  • Assignment # 1 20%
  • Assignment # 2 Outline 5%
  • Assignment # 2 Research Paper 30%
  • Persona Project + Participation 15%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Quadagno, J. (2017). Aging and the life course: Introduction to social gerontology (7th ed.). New York: NY. McGraw Hill.
You can purchase the online textbook for 6 months at the following link:

https://connect.mheducation.com/paamweb/index.html#/registration/signup/300-fall-2020

Additional assigned readings will be available online on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).