Gerontology

This course will introduce you to key concepts and perspectives in contemplative gerontology, drawing primarily but not exclusively on Eastern traditions and perspectives. We will focus specifically on mindfulness (which is inspired by the Buddhist Vipassana tradition) but also explore yoga and tai chi. There will be a practice element to this course, where you will learn by doing. You will have the opportunity in class to try out various meditations and then discuss them. Ideally, this course will introduce you to skills that you can use and develop throughout your life, while teaching you about the contemplative orientation to aging.

The number of films that have featured dementia as a central plot, has significantly increased drawing more public attention to those living with the disease.  However, film is a powerful medium in forming and influencing societal perceptions and attitudes towards dementia and people living with it.  This seminar-lecture course explores the social construction of dementia  in mainstream and nonmainstream fiction film.  Students will critically analyse and discuss the common narratives of dementia portrayed in films and decipher whether these narratives reflect the realities of living with the disease.  Students will also explore the underlying messages about aging and dementia in films and the societal implications of those messages.  There will be a variety of films shown including mainstream, independent, Canadian, “classic” dementia films, and international.