Program Curriculum

Program Curriculum

The eight-month Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology) program allows students to develop skills and knowledge to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of older adults through a strengths-based and social justice approach. In this interdisciplinary program, students gain a broad and critical understanding of aging processes and social policy issues that affect older persons and their families.

Students also have the opportunity to work with older adults by completing over 200 practicum hours in a field placement setting. The practicum provides an opportunity to apply the theories learned in class to a wide variety of settings that support older adults. This program ladders directly into the Diploma in Gerontology.

CURRICULUM

Total Credits: 31

Term One

Courses Credits
All of
GERO 1100 Introduction to Gerontology
3

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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GERO 1115 Communication Skills with Older Adults I
3

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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GERO 1300 Social Policy and Aging
3

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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GERO 1816 Gerontology Practicum I
1

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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PSYC 1115 Introduction to Biological, Cognitive, and Developmental Psychology
3

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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One of
ENGL 1123 Introduction to Academic Writing
3

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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ENGL 1127 Essay Writing and Short Prose Selections
3

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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ENGL 1128 Short Prose Selections and Composition
3

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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16 Credits

Term Two

Courses Credits
All of
GERO 1215 Communication Skills with Older Adults II
3

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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GERO 1916 Gerontology Practicum II
3

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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GERO 2100 Older Adults, Mental Health, and Substance Misuse
3

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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PSYC 2425 Developmental Psychology (Adulthood and Aging)
3

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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RECR 2395 Recreation & Aging
3

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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15 Credits