Social Constructs of Ageing unit (CAD118)

Online

Introduction

This unit examines how ageing is a social construct. You will examine how ageing and older age are influenced by factors other than biological ageing alone, from global and local perspectives. You will examine and critique social attitudes towards ageing, the impacts of ageism and social institutions, and how language impacts on our understandings and experiences of ageing and older age. The unit also examines cultural and Indigenous beliefs of ageing and older age, gender differences and elder abuse. This Unit requires you to reflect on your own views, values and beliefs toward ageing and older age.

Summary

Unit name	Social Constructs of Ageing
Unit code	CAD118
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Discipline	Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre
Coordinator	Doctor Pauline Marsh
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explore and describe the socio-cultural patterns and dimensions of ageing
• Examine the relevance of culture to experiences of and attitudes to ageing including Indigenous communities
• Critically explore the use of language as applied to ageing and ageing-related health conditions and interventions
• Examine and reflect on your own beliefs and values with respect to ageing and ageism

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
069900	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$1,458.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Online Learning - approx. 10 hours per week.
Assessment	Quiz (20%)|Short Essay (20%)|Video Discussion Starter (20%)|Reflective Essay on Ageing and Older Age (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.