Current Courses

This course introduces students to the field of Gerontology. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the course examines the study of aging from a social, psychological, and physical perspective. Topics to be studied include ageism, population aging, physical and psychological aspects of aging and gerontological theory.

This course introduces students to the field of Gerontology. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the course examines the study of aging from a social, psychological, and physical perspective. Topics to be studied include ageism, population aging, physical and psychological aspects of aging and gerontological theory.

This course examines the experiences of growing older in Canada. This includes a review of Canada's healthcare, pension systems and other social structures and policies which directly impact older adults in Canadian society.

This course explores cultural and social-structural determinants ofaging through sociological theory. Students critically examine the social construction of "old age" as a social status through perceptions, descriptions, discussions and interactions with others, and how these relations are 'negotiated' by the older people themselves. Other topics include ageism and how various social institutions influence the experience of aging. Prerequisite: GERO 1013 OR GERO 1023, OR permission from the instructor.

In this course we will learn from rich traditions of feminist scholarship about what care is and how we can better provide it to support people as they age (e.g. these traditions may include feminist political economy, care ethics, and the logic of care). This course will be delivered in both a lecture format addressing key perspectives on care as well as in a seminar style allowing for discussions about the material which may include readings, podcasts, webinars and videos. Students will learn to apply their new understandings to real world situations (e.g., through the evaluation of policy reviews and reports).

This course explores the dynamics of social isolation, loneliness, and social connection across the lifespan, with a particular focus on older adults. It examines the unique challenges they face in maintaining social ties, the psychological, emotional and health consequences of isolation and the benefits of connection. Additionally, recognizing that social isolation and connection are shaped by various factors, the course analyzes the influences of culture, technology, the built environment, economics, and social policy. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will engage with contemporary research, assess intervention strategies, and develop practical solutions for fostering meaningful social connections.

This seminar course consists of an in-depth analysis of a specific problem or issue in the field of aging. Students have their chosen topic area approved and supervised by the course instructor. The purpose of this course is to integrate a student's theoretical and practical understanding of a specific area by way of a combination of a major paper, presentations, and/or other research. Prerequisites: GERO 1013 + 1023.

This course examines the experiences of growing older in Canada. This includes a review of Canada's healthcare, pension systems and other social structures and policies which directly impact older adults in Canadian society.

This course considers aspects of death and dying and bereavement from an interdisciplinary perspective, examining both practical and theoretical issues that arise from the relationship between aging, death and dying. The course also examines the end-of-life care for older adults.

This course adopts a biopsychosocial perspective to studying aging. Topics include theoretical models of development, research methods used to study adult development, health and prevention, basic cognitive function and the aging process, higher order cognitive functions, personality, mental health issues and treatment. These biopsychological functions are examined for how they impact older adults as they navigate their social worlds. Prerequisites: GERO 1013 OR GERO 1023 OR PSYC 1023.

Various aspects of aging and health are addressed in this course. Topics considered include: theories of biological aging; normal vs. pathological physical changes that accompany the aging process; various chronic conditions that affect quality of life in later life; the implications of physical aging for medication use and nutritional status among older adults; and the impact of an aging population on the provision of acute care, long-term care, and home care for older adults. Prerequisite: GERO 1013 and GERO 1023.

This lecture-seminar course explores the meaning of leisure and recreation and the role they play in the lives of older adults. It will familiarize students with the process of aging as related to leisure, recreation, and lifestyle. The theoretical aspects of aging and their implications for leisure will be the primary focus.

This course will introduce students to qualitative research methods used in social science, with an emphasis on gerontology. It will address theoretical foundations of qualitative analysis, ethical considerations involving older adults, and provide hands-on experience in developing a research question, and collecting and analyzing data using basic qualitative techniques in gerontology. It will also prepare students in writing a qualitative research proposal.Prerequisite: GERO 1013 OR GERO 1023, OR permission from the instructor.

As the proportion of older people increases, so will the prevalence of dementia-related neurocognitive disorders in this population. This course will examine the various types of Dementia, how they are assessed and the evidence based practices used to enhance the lives of individuals with this disorder.

This course is intended for students in the final semester of the program. It consists of a multidisciplinary lecture-seminar format. Selected topics in aging research and intervention are discussed, including those that highlight the positive potential of the aging experience, e.g., the potential for creativity, wisdom, and continued personal growth. The purpose of this course is to ensure that students have a comprehensive background in the field of aging. Prerequisites: GERO 1013, GERO 1023 and an additional 18 credit hours of courses.