Summer 2023 - GERO 300 OL01
Introduction to Gerontology (3)
Class Number: 4876
Delivery Method: Online
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Online
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Exam Times + Location:
Aug 9, 2023
Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Kishore Rajaram Seetharaman
kseethar@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:
1. 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.
2. Ageism: Identify and critique stereotypes/beliefs about aging and articulate the impacts of Ageism
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. Healthcare and Retirement/ Work: Articulate societal/institutional rules, regulations and policy on aging in the area of healthcare, work/retirement. Identify gaps in services/programs.
Grading
- Assignment 1 15%
- Assignment 2: Research Paper 25%
- PERSONA Assignment 15%
- Class participation and discussion 10%
- Final Exam 35%
NOTES:
Materials
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
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
SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester 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.