SHZ 336 - Gerontological Social Work

This course aims to provide students with a conceptual framework of gerontological social work, addressing both the individual and societal dimensions of aging. The course will be conducted within the contexts of “Psycho-Social Life” at the micro level and “Aging and Social Policy” at the macro level, with the goal of equipping students with an interdisciplinary perspective on elderly welfare, social work, and social policy. Within the scope of the course, social policies based on “Elderly Welfare” theories will be examined in the context of eco-system and exo-dynamic relationships, analyzing the demographic characteristics of the elderly at both global and national levels. In this regard, fundamental data on aging in Türkiye will be analyzed, and students will be informed about the National Action Plans for the Elderly, developed by the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services.

Additionally, as a component of gerontology, the significance of “Religious and Spiritual Social Work Approaches in the Aging Process” will be emphasized and examined within the framework of a holistic social work perspective. Throughout the course, social work practices aimed at the elderly will be explored within the context of human rights, and the role of religious and spiritual values at the individual level will be discussed from the perspectives of universal fundamental human rights, constitutional rights, and key legal texts. This course is designed to enhance the theoretical knowledge of social work professionals working with elderly individuals and to develop their critical thinking skills in relation to applied social work practices.

This course examines the definition of aging and theoretical explanations of aging within the framework of gerontological social work, exploring the meanings of aging in a rapidly changing and digitalizing world at the micro (individual), mezzo (family), and macro (societal) levels. The course covers the role of social work in elderly welfare, social work practices within the ecological system for the elderly, and the professional processes of gerontological social work specialists. Social work practices with elderly individuals, as well as collaboration processes with their families, relatives, and civil society organizations (social support institutions), will be examined in detail. Additionally, institutional support and care services for the elderly, international and national social policies related to aging, and legislation and social work practices will be analyzed, focusing on approaches aimed at enhancing and improving the quality of life of elderly individuals. Furthermore, the course will address psychological, physical, emotional, and health-related social issues faced by elderly individuals, while exploring coping strategies for aging and the role of social work in these processes from an academic perspective. The course aims to equip students with the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills in the field of gerontological social work.

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In case of an assignment instead of an exam:

The midterm assessments for the course “SHZ 336 / Gerontological Social Work” will be conducted based on the assignment topics determined in the 2nd week of the semester. Between the 9th and 14th weeks, final grades will be determined through individual and group PowerPoint presentations of the assignments set during the midterm. The topic will be discussed and decided with the students on the first day of class (Week 1).

My error in the lesson will be taken into account as 70% and will be evaluated in the exam grades.
For the “SHZ 336 / Gerontological Social Work“ courses; students will come to the course pre-prepared, taking into account the contents given under the “Preliminary Preparation" headings specified for the next week.
“SHZ 336 / Gerontological Social Work“ courses will be accessible from the ”Material" section of KBS (Campus Information System) after processing each course.

It is expected that students will make a preliminary preparation for the subjects given to the “SHZ 336 / Gerontological Social Work“ courses under the “Preliminary Preparation" titles determined for the next week.

There is a 70% attendance requirement for this course.
Individual and group assignments that need to be prepared in the context of this course will be written (Word-File) and presentations (PowerPoint) will be received from all students both in print (printed) and digital media.
Dec/Midterm and Final Exams will be held as individual or group assignments.
Group assignments will be done with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 people.
The Visa/Decal Exam grade will be given by taking into account the students who contribute to the group assignment via Word File.
Final Exam grades will be given through PowerPoint group presentations. The grades of the students in the groups may be different. Grades will be evaluated by taking into account the presentation performance of each student.