Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - GERO 300 D100

Introduction to Gerontology (3)

Class Number: 2591

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 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 normative age-related changes. 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 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 15%
  • Assignment # 2 25%
  • Persona Project 10%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

Notes:

  • It is expected that all work will be submitted on time. Late assignments will be

assessed a penalty of 5% per school day.

  • It is expected that students take the exam on the day the exam is scheduled. Only in the event of extenuating circumstances (i.e., serious illness, disability, family bereavement) will students be permitted to reschedule an exam. Evidence of inability to write the exam must be presented to the instructor within 4 days of the scheduled exam.

 

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraws from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

 

Grading System: The undergraduate course grading system is A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N (N standing indicates student did not complete course requirements).

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Reading:

  • Quadagno, J. (2021). Aging and the life course: Introduction to social gerontology (8th ed.). McGraw Hill.
  • Any supplemental course readings will be available on Canvas and listed in the syllabus.

 

Recommended Reading: Wister, A.V., Kim, B., & Qui, S. (2023). Fact book on aging in British Columbia and Canada (8th ed.). Vancouver, BC: Gerontology Research

Centre. www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/grc/research/projects/fact-book-on-agingarchive/

Fact%20Book%20on%20Aging,%208th%20edition.pdf

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: 


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.