Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Required for the new Gerontology career pathway certificate, Gerontology: Advocacy. Required for Gerontology AAS Degree. Audit available.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Critique and analyze ageist assumptions, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination at both personal and public levels.
2. Identify the negative effects of internalized and institutionalized ageism.
3. Identify the characteristics of age-inclusive and age-equitable policies, programs and communities.
4. Advocate for intergenerational solidarity and the end of ageism.

Ending Ageism!

This course will be conducted in an online format and utilize a collaborative inquiry design whereby students will conceptualize and conduct applied projects together under the guidance of the instructor.   Students will have access to the online Gerontology Homeroom, access to Program Advisors, and the optional Gerontology Monday meetings and ongoing End Ageism campaign activities.

Student progress in meeting the intended course outcomes is measured by various learning projects:

• Personal reflection and assessment activities around internalized ageism
• Collaborative aging-awareness and ageism-awareness exercises
• Review of literature on the negative effects of internalized and institutionalized ageism
• Applied capstone project focused on anti-ageism advocacy
• Optional involvement in the End Ageism campaign

Content includes:

• Comprehensive overview of the characteristics, mechanisms and effects of ageism
• Examination of how ageism intersects with other “isms” in forming a system of oppression and yet is often not considered in discussions about inclusion and equity
• Identification and planning of interventions and projects connected to increasing aging awareness and ending ageism
• Themes of aging-awareness, social justice and intergenerational solidarity woven throughout the course
• Emphasis on reflection, critical thinking, and praxis