AGES1001 Foundation Skills in Ageing Studies

This topic provides students opportunities to develop key skills that will not only support their study but will also be useful in the workplace. The development of skills and strategies will be framed in content grounded in ageing in the 21st century, starting with a demographic analysis of population ageing, then moving on to key concepts and issues related to the experience of ageing at the societal and individual levels. In developing strategies for finding information, reading effectively, assessing the quality of information and writing for different audiences, students will build capacity to engage in critical reflection, creative thinking and evidence-based approaches to planning, problem solving and practice.

This topic aims to:

• Present current issues specific to ageing in the 21st century as a basis for addressing how to critically assess, write and present evidence-based, logical arguments for various target audiences and settings
• Develop student skills necessary to search for, retrieve and assess information relevant to the demographics of and issues associated with ageing
• Facilitate critical thinking and debate in relation to key issues in ageing populations as a foundation for building capacity to assess and respond to both opportunities and requirements in different environments
• Emphasise effective communication and collaboration with others in group and/or team contexts
• Identify key concepts in the study of ageing
• Introduce students to the concept of cultural responsiveness in the context of ageing studies

1. Locate and describe demographic and other information in relation to ageing populations
2. Use an evidence-based approach to communicate persuasively for a range of audiences
3. Assess and respond to expectations in academic and professional environments
4. Apply critical and creative thinking to key issues linked to the experience of ageing in local, national and global contexts
5. Consider ethical issues related to academic and professional environments and the discussion of different perspective on ageing
6. Communicate and collaborate effectively with peers in group and/or team contexts
7. Demonstrate sensitivity to the beliefs, practices, culture and linguistic needs of older people from diverse populations and communities