Fall 2021 - GERO 412 D100
Special Topics in Gerontology III (3)
Class Number: 7604
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 19, 2021
Sun, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Andrew Sixsmith
ajs16@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Selected psychological, sociological, economic, biological and practical aspects of the aging of individuals and populations.
COURSE DETAILS:
Aging is a global phenomenon. This course aims to provide a global and international perspective on one of the greatest challenges in the 21st Century. Major global trends, such as population growth, rapid urbanization, changes of family social and cultural structures, have a major impact on the health and well-being of older people worldwide. For example, the majority of older people in the 21st century will live in lower - and middle - income countries (LMICs) with developing economies. The course will review global challenges and initiatives such as the World Health Organization “Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-31”, as well case studies at the national level, The course is interdisciplinary in perspective, exploring global aging in terms of demographic change, social and cultural aspects of aging and how policies and health and welfare services have evolved to respond to aging populations. The course will comprise both lectures and seminars on different themes each week. There will be guest presentations to complement the main content of the course.
Key issues explored in the course include:
* How will countries with rapidly changing demographic structures, cultures, economies, and social institutions adapt to increasing numbers of older people?
* As a globally and culturally diverse society how do we best meet the health care and long-term care needs of today’s older adults, and improve the health outcomes of future generations?
* As a developed country how do we support and influence aging policies of other countries? Conversely, how do we best revise our own policies based on what we see globally
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
The learning objectives of the course are to:
* Develop a critical understanding of how population aging impacts societies and economies in different parts of the world
* Examine similarities and differences in the responses to population aging in respect to policies and services for older people
* Understand the opportunities for innovation for supporting health and independence of older people
* Develop skills in exploring and critically evaluating international policy and practice
* The course will provide opportunities for student to develop transferable skills in terms of critical thinking, collaborative teamwork, approaches to innovation, understanding diversity
Grading
- Group Based Project 25%
- Written Assignments 50%
- Take Home Exam 25%
NOTES:
Group-based project
Small groups of students will carry out a mini-project on topics agreed in conjunction with the course instructor. Students are required to produce presentations of their findings and the final week of the course is devoted to these. The presentations will account for 25% of final assessment.
Written assignments
Students will be expected to complete 2 written assignments, each accounting for 25% of final assessment.
Take home exam
The final exam will account for 25% of final assessment.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Online readings will be provided to students. There is no set textbook.
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 2021
Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place. Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).
Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required. You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.