Course offerings vary from year to year. Check Generate a Timetable for available course offerings.
GERO 500 (3) Psycho-Social Perspectives on Aging
An interdisciplinary overview of psychological and sociological theories, processes and experiences of aging and the aging process. Topics include exploring the complexity of individual aging and the social environment that accompany and shape it, including ageism, diversity, demographics, shifting roles and relationships, personality and social institutions. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Admission to the program or permission of the instructor.
GERO 501 (3) Physiology of Aging
In this foundational course, students will critically examine the biological theories of aging and explore the relationship between age and physiological function. Students will investigate key health and wellness priorities within a self-management, preventative and health promotion perspective. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: GERO 500 or permission of instructor.
GERO 502 (3) Social Policy and Aging
This course will critically explore the development, implementation and impacts of social policy on aging and older adults in a Canadian context. Students will develop an understanding of the intersection of social policies and organizational practices on older adults as they mediate and navigate their lives on a daily basis. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: GERO 500 or permission of instructor.
GERO 503 (3) Research Methods in Aging
An interdisciplinary investigation of research in the field of aging and gerontology. Students will focus on identifying and operationalizing core gerontological concepts, sampling strategies and inclusion of older populations in the research process, ethical issues and concerns, qualitative and quantitative methodological design, evaluation, and community-based research. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: GERO 500 or permission of instructor.
GERO 504 (3) Mental Health and Aging
An exploration of the mental health issues that affect older adults, including addictions. Topics include a critical exploration of different models and constructs of mental health and addictions as it applies to aging, concurrent challenges, mental health treatment, management and care, and available support services and resources. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: GERO 500 or permission of instructor.
GERO 505 (3) Ethical and Moral Issues of Aging
A critical exploration of selected topics on ethical issues related to the experience and process of aging. Topics will reflect on the current and future ethical and moral dilemmas that arise in an aging society that older adults, their families, practitioners and policy makers may face. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: GERO 500 or permission of instructor.
GERO 506 (3) Diversity and the Experience of Aging
In this course, students will critically explore how ethno-racial diversity, gender and sexual orientation intersects with the experience of aging, and consider how complex issues of aging uniquely impact diverse older populations as it applies to policy, practice and resources. Topics will be examined using a local (including Indigenous), provincial, national and international perspective. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: GERO 500 or permission of instructor.
GERO 507 (3) Community Development in an Aging Society
A critical, interdisciplinary focus on using community development to address social, economic, organizational, physical, and resource based change for issues related to aging. A focus will be on exploring organizing, learning and implementing practices that facilitate increasing a community's ability to reach community defined goals. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: GERO 500 or permission of instructor.
GERO 508 (3) Aging Well With Creativity
This course will focus on aging well with an emphasis on creativity, adaption, inclusion and resilience in the lives of older adults. Students will critically explore programs, initiatives, resources and therapies that encourage creative aging, including the arts, spirituality, occupation and community involvement. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: GERO 500 or permission of instructor.
GERO 509 (3) Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Death and Dying
An interdisciplinary exploration of death and dying specific to aging and growing older. Students will focus on exploring definitions and attitudes towards death and dying from philosophical, psychological and cultural perspectives, and explore this from personal and practice based positions and experiences. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: GERO 500 or permission of instructor.
GERO 510 (3) Leisure and Recreation for Older Adults
Characteristics and needs of an aging population as they relate to recreation, leisure and active aging. Students will focus on exploring the role of recreation and leisure in older adults' lives specific to current demographic trends and the physiological, cognitive and psychological contexts of the aging process. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: GERO 500 or permission of instructor.
GERO 511 (3) Critical Issues and Future Trends in Aging: Project-Based
A project-based exploration and application of critical issues and future trends in aging and aging practice drawn from students' personal and professional interests. Students will create and present a project based on an in-depth study and exploration of a topic drawing on and integrating their learning. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: GERO 500, GERO 501, GERO 502, GERO 503, GERO 504, and completion of 12 additional credits.