Social Service Worker (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

Students explore the central role of the therapeutic relationship for helping older persons. They reflect on their motivation for becoming helpers in the field of gerontology, analyze their own natural style of helping, and learn how to use a recognized helping skills framework. Students learn the value of self-care, the client-centred approach, and practice primary helping skills including basic listening, empathy, and influencing. They have multiple opportunities to practice using the skills to effectively conduct interviews with older persons and their families. This is a highly participatory course. Students will learn through a variety of learning activities such as lectures, case studies, group discussions, audio visual presentations, readings, audio taping, videotaping, exams and written assignments. All students will be expected to participate in role-playing in class in order to perfect their use of the skills taught in this course.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

In this course students learn about the role of the welfare state, how social determinants impact health, and key social policy issues related to population aging. Examples of Canadian social policy issues are incorporated throughout the course to give students numerous opportunities to analyze current issues and propose solutions. Students explore a variety of topics impacting older persons and their families today including elder abuse, retirement income and income inequality, housing, health care, caregiving, aging in place, and death and dying.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

Students have the opportunity to 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, students develop and practise 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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