Questions for an Ageing World

Overview

This course provides a critical understanding of how social policy shapes a person’s life trajectory. The course takes a life course perspective, immersing students in a range of social science literature including social gerontology, social policy and life course sociology. Key issues and themes covered include human rights (including children’s rights), disability, old age, birth and death. The role of public information and education in developing human agency is explored through the examination of contentious issues in social policy such as birth practices and our experience of death and dying. In 2020/2021 There will be a fortnightly on-line quiz via Canvas and a virtual field-trip to The Victoria & Albert museum.

Learning Objectives

• To introduce students to theories, concepts and policies relevant to ageing and the life course.
• To provide an applied understanding of the implications of social policy for the lived experience of ageing, from birth to death.

Skills

Development of analytical and evaluative skills; independent learning skills; Oral and written communication and presentation skills; teamwork skills.

Assessment

None