Summer 2025 - GERO 300 OL01
Introduction to Gerontology (3)
Class Number: 3759
Delivery Method: Online
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Online
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Exam Times + Location:
Aug 15, 2025
Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Atiya Mahmood
amahmood@sfu.ca
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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:
What will life look like for us when we are 75? How would we spend our time? Where would we live? This introductory course is a breadth social science course that uses an interdisciplinary perspective to provide an overview of the socio-cultural aspects of aging within a Canadian context. It explores the influence of the broader social context on the individual experience of aging and the diversity of the aging experience that results. Topics covered include attitudes and stereotypes about aging, demographic trends, informal and formal caregiving, health care, environment and aging, and end-of-life issues.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
By the end of the class students will:
- Population Aging: Understand the scope and impact of population aging at the local and global level. Differentiate among key terms and concepts related to aging.
- Ageism: Identify and critique stereotypes/ beliefs about aging and articulate the impacts of Ageism
- Diversity and Context: Recognize sources of diversity in the aging experience and describe the impact of environment, gender, race/ ethnicity, culture and socioeconomic status on older people.
- Individual Health, Social and Psychological Aspects: Explain age-related progression/change in physical, psychological and social domain of individuals. Identify key concepts/theory in these areas and link to real world scenarios
- Social Support and Care Comprehend that social engagement, support and care is bi-directional for older adults and their family/friends and reframe older adults as assets rather than liabilities to society. Articulate key concepts/theory in these areas and link to real world scenarios.
Grading
- Assignment 1 15%
- Assignment 2 25%
- PERSONA Assignment 15%
- Online participation and discussion 10%
- Final Exam 35%
NOTES:
Class Policies
It is expected that daily reading assignments will be completed in preparation for class. Lectures, discussions, and class activities/projects will be based on the assumption that you are prepared.
It is expected that all work will be submitted on time (everything due at the beginning of class unless specified otherwise) on due dates specified for each assignment. Make alternate arrangements for turning in assignments if you cannot make it to class. Late assignments will be assessed a penalty of 5% per school day.
The Department of Gerontology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and
Mis conduct procedures (S10.01‐ S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a complete bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is also not acceptable to submit work (or any portions of it) that has already been submitted to other classes for credit. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of these SFU policies (http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html).
- If you may need accommodations or have any emergency medical information the instructor should know of, you should make an appointment with the instructor the first week of the term. The URL for ‘The Centre for Students with Disabilities’ is: http://students.sfu.ca/disabilityaccess/.
Key Course Milestones
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Date/Time TBD |
Submit Assignment #1 (Upload on CANVAS) |
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Date/Time TBD |
Submit research topic outline for Assign. #2: Term Paper (Upload on CANVAS) |
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Date/Time TBD |
Submit Assignment #2 (Upload on CANVAS) |
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Date/Time TBD |
Submit Final PERSONA Assignment |
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Apr. TBD
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Final Exam ON-CAMPUS – In-person (Location to be announced) |
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Required Aging and the Life Course: Introduction to Social Gerontology by Jill Quadagno. (2022). 8th Edition (ALC) + READINGS (Posted in CANVAS). You can purchase the online textbook at the following link:TBD
Recommended:
http://opentextbook.docsol.sfu.ca/store/product/ctb1002-01/
Check CANVAS regularly. The GERO 300 library course page is at: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/subject-guides/gerontology/gero300
REQUIRED READING:
Aging and the Life Course: Introduction to Social Gerontology by Jill Quadagno. (2022). 8th Edition (ALC) + READINGS (Posted in CANVAS). You can purchase the online textbook at the following link:TBD
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.