Gerontology

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students examine ways of thinking about aging from diverse fields of inquiry including historical, political, social, and global perspectives. They learn the major theories of aging as they relate to the developing field of gerontology. Topics include human rights and religious and cultural perspectives on aging including the Canadian Indigenous experience. Students learn about the impact of population aging on society as well as current responses to the needs, challenges, and concerns of Canada's aging population. Students examine aging from a systems perspective with an emphasis on positive outcomes and understandings about aging.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology and Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology).

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) are foundational to respectful, effective social service practice with older adults. In this course, students examine the context and nature of the helping relationship according to the values, principles, and standards of conduct for social workers from the Canadian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. They learn a structured, client-centred framework for conducting interviews, and practice core skills such as active listening, empathy, and attending during role-plays (some of which are recorded and critiqued). Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology and Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology).

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

The individual experience of aging in Canada is shaped by the larger social policies put in place to respond to population aging. In this course, students explore the role of the welfare state, political ideology, and the concept of social determinants of health in relation to issues affecting older adults and their families. Students use this foundation to examine key areas of concern such as elder abuse, caregiving, dementia, retirement income, income inequality, housing, health care, and aging in place. Students analyze current and proposed policy responses to such issues.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology and Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology).

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Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 4.0 | Lab: 0.0

Field education provides an opportunity for students to integrate, synthesize, and apply skills and theoretical approaches they have learned in the classroom to practice settings in the field with older adults. Students spend four hours a week in a practicum placement at a designated social service community agency under the supervision of an agency field supervisor. Through this experience, they develop and practice professional behaviours and learn how particular agencies meet the needs of older adults. Graded S/U.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology and Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology).Corequisite(s): GERO 1100.

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

An introduction to theories, methods, and research findings of modern psychology. Topics may include but are not limited to research methods, biological bases of behaviour, sensation and perception, development, consciousness, learning, and memory. PSYC 1115 and PSYC 1215 can be taken at the same time or in either order.

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Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students read and analyze a variety of texts in order to develop techniques of research, critical thinking, close reading, and clear writing in an academic context. Course readings, which include a selection of scholarly articles, are drawn from at least three academic disciplines. By exploring and responding to a range of topics, students develop a foundation for post-secondary writing.Students will only receive credit for one of ENGL 1123, 1127, or 1128.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 4 (or LET 3 with a strong recommendation of concurrent registration in ENGL 1121); a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110; or a minimum "C" grade in three credits of university-transferrable English.

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Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course emphasizes the principles of composition through the study and writing of various kinds of essays, including the research essay. As a secondary aim, it encourages an appreciation of modern literature through a study of the short story.Students will receive credit for only one of ENGL 1123, 1126, 1127, or 1128.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 4 (or LET 3 with a strong recommendation of concurrent registration in ENGL 1121); a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; or an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110.

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Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

ENGL 1128 introduces students to the principles of composition through the study of various kinds of essays, including the research essay. It also emphasizes an appreciation of modern prose writing through the study of both short stories and essays. Most writing assignments are related to the literature studied. Because this course is designed for students with superior writing skills, more intensive reading will be required. Students will receive credit for only one of ENGL 1123, 1127, or 1128.Students intending to pursue studies in the Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia should choose ENGL 1100.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 5 (or LPI equivalent) or a minimum 85% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12 or Literary Studies 12, or equivalent.

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) are foundational to respectful, effective social service practice with older adults. Building on the concepts of Communication Skills I, this course introduces advanced practical skills (e.g. conflict resolution, problem-solving, and goal-setting) used in the helping relationship. Students continue to apply the values, principles, and standards of conduct for social workers provided by the Canadian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. A key component of the course is student participation in role-plays, some of which are recorded and critiqued.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology and Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in GERO 1115.

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Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 14.0 | Lab: 0.0

Field education provides an opportunity for students to integrate, synthesize, and apply skills and theoretical approaches they have learned in the classroom to practice settings in the field with older adults. Students spend two days a week in the same practicum setting as the previous term. They continue to integrate program curriculum learning with practical experience, applying specialized knowledge, theory, and ethics within the practicum setting while developing professional practice skills. Graded S/U.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology and Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology).Prerequisite(s): An "S" grade in GERO 1816.

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course provides students with an introductory overview of how mental health and substance misuse uniquely affect older persons. Students critically examine historical and contemporary theoretical perspectives on mental health conditions and treatment methods, and prevention strategies for a variety of mental health conditions and substance misuse among older adults; as well as current social, political, and legal needs and priorities. They explore the signs, treatment methods, and prevention strategies for a variety of mental health conditions and substance misuse issues seen in older adult populations. The provincial and local services and resources available to individuals seeking support will be identified. Throughout the course, students are required to reflect on their values and beliefs may potentially influence their social service practice. Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology and Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology).Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in GERO 1100; or permission of the program coordinator.

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

With the increase in life expectancy worldwide, it is important for people to understand the implications of adult development and aging on physical, social, and psychological health. In this course, students critically examine social, cultural, emotional, physical, and cognitive development associated with adulthood, aging, death, and dying. They analyze psychological theories, models, and research findings related to adulthood and aging. Students explore how aging affects a number of aspects of our lives such as memory, decision-making, problem-solving, health, and relationships. The course encourages students to broaden their perspectives on aging and apply the concepts learned to their own lives through self-reflection. Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in PSYC 1115 and 1215. PSYC 1215 is waived for students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology or Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology).

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Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 3.0 | Lab: 0.0

Recreation and culture play a critical role in assisting people to live healthier, happier, and more meaningful lives as they age. Students learn about the benefits that older people derive from participating in recreation and culture and the risks of not staying physically and cognitively active and socially connected. Throughout the course, students explore a combination of theories and practices. Students are presented with experiential learning opportunities, including guest speakers, field trips to community-based organizations, and case studies. Students identify and assess a variety of recreation programs and services for a diverse population of older adults and they investigate how recreation and cultural programming for older adults creates welcoming and accessible communities. Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology and Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology).

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Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 4.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students explore how broad societal-macro factors and interlocking oppressions such as ageism, racism, and classism shape and determine the experience of aging. They learn how older persons experience disadvantages in unique ways based on the intersection of age and other aspects of identity such as gender, race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and disability. Students will gain critical awareness of the heterogeneity within the older adult population and learn how to apply an intersectional approach to respond to their diverse needs and to address the equity gap. They explore issues affecting older adults within a framework of human rights, citizenship, and inclusion. Students examine their own beliefs and attitudes with respect to aging and intersectionality and reflect on the values and knowledge required to become advocates for social justice.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in GERO 1100 and 1115; or permission of the program coordinator.

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students explore the physiological process of aging in humans. Students study the fundamentals of human physiology and develop an understanding of current scientific theories on the process of normal human aging. Broader ideas of aging as a process in the wider biological world are also considered. Students examine expected manifestations of aging on key human systems such as the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, reproductive, muscular and skeletal, and immune systems.Priority registration for students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET with a minimum level 3; IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; LPI with a minimum 26 on the essay and one of 5 in English usage, 5 in sentence structure, or 10 in reading comprehension; a minimum 80% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C-" grade in a university-level English or communications course for which Langara awards transfer credit; or a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; or an "S" grade in one of ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110.

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

An introduction to theories, methods, and research findings of modern psychology. Topics may include but are not limited to thinking, language, intelligence, personality, emotion, stress and health, motivation, social behavior, and psychological disorders and therapies. PSYC 1115 and 1215 can be taken at the same time or in either order.

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course will introduce students to the role that social work and allied professions play in the ameliorating of the social welfare conditions that affect people and communities. Through course assignments, students will be able to relate the contexts of their own experience to the social contexts of disadvantaged people.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 3 (or LPI equivalent); a minimum "C+" grade in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, or Literary Studies 12; a minimum "C" grade in one of the following: CMNS 1118, ENGL 1120, 1123, 1127, or 1128; or an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110.

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Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course introduces students to the modern novel, to a selection of poems, mainly from the twentieth century, and to a sampling of modern drama. Writing assignments are related to the literary works studied.Students will receive credit for only one of ENGL 1129 or 1130.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 4 (or LET 3 with a strong recommendation of concurrent registration in ENGL 1121); a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110; or a minimum "C" grade in three credits of university-transferable English.

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Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course introduces students to the modern novel, to a selection of poems, mainly from the twentieth century, and to the dramatic elements and narrative techniques of modern film. Writing assignments are related to the works studied. A feature film series accompanies the course, in addition to class hours.Students will receive credit for only one of ENGL 1129 or 1130.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 4 (or LET 3 with a strong recommendation of concurrent registration in ENGL 1121); a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110; or a minimum "C" grade in three credits of university-transferable English.

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Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 8.0 | Lab: 0.0

Project work is integral to providing services within the senior service sector. This practicum provides an opportunity for students to integrate, synthesize, and apply skills and theoretical approaches they have learned in the classroom to a specific project in a practice/agency setting with older adults. Students spend one day a week implementing a project or a portion of a larger project for a community and/or organizational setting under the supervision of an agency supervisor. Graded S/U.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in all of the following: GERO 1100, 1115, 1215, and 1300; and an "S" grade in GERO 1816 and 1916; or permission of the program coordinator.

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Knowledge of theoretical perpectives used in social work and gerontology are vital to effective social service practice with older adults. In this course, students explore various therapeutic theories and modalities related to stages of aging. They learn about the role of theory and its relationship to ideology, as well as the links between social values, theory, and practice. Students critique a range of social work and aging theories to build a foundation for critical, anti-oppressive social service practice. Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in GERO 2100; or permission of the program coordinator.

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students explore the process of death and dying from multiple perspectives such as personal, ethical, cultural, religious, political, legal, and societal. They build a comprehensive understanding of the stages of grief and loss, and the government and community resources available to support older adults and their families. Students develop an informed framework for best practice when working with older adults who are transitioning to end of life and experiencing grief and loss related to death and dying.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in GERO 1100; or permission of the program coordinator.

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Community agencies are fundamental in supporting older adults to maintain social, emotional, and physical wellness. During this course, students explore and analyze different conceptions and functions of community and the varying ways that community agencies and community work are structured. Students review the history of community development, different theoretical and political perspectives to this work, and core skills and processes used in the field. Using real-life seniors-serving organizations as examples, students identify and reflect on different aspects of community-based work that are present within them. Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in GERO 1100 and 1300; or permission of the program coordinator.

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Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students explore the diseases associated with aging as well as their interventions. Students focus on the processes that lead to the development of the most common disorders associated with older persons. Students learn the clinical manifestations and interventions that reduce the risk of these disorders as well as the therapies for these conditions. Within each body system (cardiovascular, neurological, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, and skeletomuscular), the disorders are addressed according to their prevalence and severity.Priority registration for students admitted to the Diploma of Gerontology.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in HSCI 1195.

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