Courses

2025-2026 Academic Year

AGFS 1100
Introduction to Family Science 0.5 unit
An examination of contemporary families including family dynamics, diversity and development from the perspectives of different disciplines. Topics may include same-sex families, parenting styles, poverty, work-family balance and mass-media influences. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 1100 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 1101
Introduction to Aging 0.5 unit
An examination of individual and social implications of population aging from the perspectives of different disciplines. Topics may include care of aging parents, retirement, health, and financial security. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 1101 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 2100
Healthy Aging 0.5 unit
An exploration of individual, relational and societal issues related to healthy aging. Physiological and cognitive changes, healthy lifestyles including relationships, eating, physical and mental activities and policies affecting community health are examined. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 2100 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 2202/PHIL 2202
The Roots of Peace and Conflict 0.5 unit
An analysis of the patterns of peace and conflict in personal, family, school, cultural, national, and global contexts. The interdisciplinary approach will stress the inter-relatedness of ecological, technological, military and developmental issues. Themes for study may include domestic violence, conflicts in the workplace, racial and gender discrimination, cross-cultural communication, world hunger and food security, poverty and international trade relations, appropriate technology and resource utilization, sustainable development. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 2202 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 2212
Perspectives on Parent-Child Relations Across the Life Course 0.5 unit
An analysis of the ecological, sociological, and social-psychological perspectives that emerge in parent-child relationships across the life course. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the current social issues affecting contemporary parent-child relationships and the role that professionals play in educational programs and policies. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 2212 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 2220/PSYC 2220
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1110 and 1120
A critical examination of the findings and theories in the psychology of adulthood and aging. Topics to be covered will include identity and interpersonal behaviour, memory and intelligence, social-life changes and successful aging. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 2220 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 2312
Resilient Families 0.5 unit
An examination of the dynamics of family relationships as well as social factors that affect these relationships throughout the life course. Factors contributing to resilience in families such as community supports and social policies will be analyzed. Emphasis in this course is on understanding family relationships in diverse cultures. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 2312 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 2315
Program Planning in Family Life Education 0.5 unit
An exploration of theoretical principles and methodological approaches employed in planning and implementing preventative family life education programs, such as sexual health education, parent education and healthy lifestyles. Models of program planning, implementation, and evaluation will be examined and applied. Students will have an opportunity to reflect upon the philosophies underlying practice. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 2315 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 2400
Family and Aging Policies 0.5 unit
An overview of Canadian public policies supporting families and older persons that explores current policies, instruments, implementation, and the extent to which they meet their goals. Students will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to critically analyze policies that target families or older persons.

AGFS 3305/WOMS 3305
Women and Aging 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 5.0 units of university credit including 1.0 unit of WOMS or permission of the instructor
An examination of the unique roles and position of older women in contemporary society with an emphasis on how they are perceived and treated by society. Topics may include the variations in the psychological, health, and socioeconomic status and needs of older women with implications for social policy. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 3305 may not take this course for credit.

AFGS 3307/RELS 3307
Perspectives on Death and Dying 0.5 unit
A study of death and dying from both the academic and experiential viewpoints. Death and religious dimensions of human life are considered, along with pastoral concerns and care of the dying. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 3307 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 3314/GAFS 6614
Family Violence Across the Life Course 0.5 unit
Undergraduate prerequisite(s): completion of 5.0 units of university credit including 1.0 unit of AGFS or permission of the instructor
Graduate prerequisite(s): enrolment in a graduate program
An analysis of family violence across the life course, covering intimate partner violence; child abuse; and sibling, parent, and older adult abuse. Implications for research, theory, and practice will be developed. The critical ecological framework will be the foundation for discussion and analyses. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 3314 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 3327
Interpersonal Communication Skills 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 1.0 unit of AGFS at the 2000 level or permission of the instructor
The study and practice of basic interpersonal communication skills, such as open- and closed- questions, paraphrasing, reflection of feeling, reflection of meaning, and confrontation, for professionals in work environments such as child and youth care, family services, eldercare, and teaching environments. Emphasis is placed on helping people understand their situations from a variety of perspectives through the use of empathetic listening skills. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 3327 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 3330
Research Methods 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): MATH 2208 and 2209; and AGFS 1100 or AGFS 1101; and 2.0 units of AGFS at the 2000 level or above
An examination of research design, data collection, and data analysis in social research, with an emphasis on family science and aging. Topics include epistemological considerations, research ethics, quantitative methods, qualitative methods, secondary data analysis, knowledge mobilization, and proposal writing.

AGFS 3344/ GAFS 6644
Military and Veteran Families 0.5 unit
Undergraduate prerequisite(s): completion of 5.0 units of university credit including 1.0 unit of AGFS or permission of the instructor
Graduate prerequisite(s): enrolment in a graduate program
An analysis of research, theory, and practice focusing on military and veteran families across the life course. Informed by critical-ecological theory, emphasis in the course will be on military and veteran family resiliency. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 3344 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 3410
Conflict Management and Mediation 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 5.0 units of university credit including 1.0 unit of AGFS or permission of the instructor
The study and practice of alternative ways of dealing with conflict and disputes. Evolution of current thinking and practices in mediation; processes and methods used; and application of third-party mediation techniques within a wide range of settings will be discussed. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 3410 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 3480
Family Science/Aging Theories 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 10.0 units of university credit, or permission of the instructor
An exploration of family and aging theories relevant to practice within the fields of family science and aging. The concept of “praxis”, that theory and practice inform each other, will serve as the philosophical foundation underpinning the course.

AGFS 3551/SOAN 3551
Aging 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 5.0 units of university credit, which must include SOAN 1502 or permission of the instructor
An examination of aging as a social process with both micro (individual) and macro (societal) dimensions and how these interact. Topics may include: the social meaning of age and aging; family in later life; gender and aging; retirement; health; social policy; and the implications of population aging for society. Note: Students who have received credit for SOAN 2219/FSGN 2219 or FSGN 3551 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 3552
LGBTQ Families 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 5.0 units of university credit or permission of the instructor
A critical examination of family experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit individuals, exploring alternative family structures, living arrangements, relationship dynamics, and what constitutes “family”. Topics include intimate relationships, social support, resilience, becoming a parent, parent-child relationships in childhood and adulthood, later-life planning, educational experiences, and research considerations. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 3552 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 4300
Aging/Family Science Practicum 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 12.0 units of university credit, or permission of the instructor
A place-based learning opportunity in community that supports the attainment of entry-level professional competencies in the field of Aging and/or Family Science. Students explore the roles, responsibilities, and challenges of a selected community-based partner, participating in planning, implementing, or evaluating a program or policy.

AGFS 4345
Strategies for Planned Change 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 5.0 units of university credit including 1.0 unit of AGFS, or permission of the instructor
An introduction to strategies at the societal and individual levels that achieve planned change. Students will understand advocacy at the personal, cultural, and structural levels. Critical analysis of current policies and the process of developing evidence-based social policy are examined. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 3345 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 4401
Contemporary and Professional Ethical Issues in Aging and Families 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 5.0 units of university credit including 1.0 unit of AGFS, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the philosophical and practical approaches used in understanding contemporary moral issues affecting families and older adults. Topics of discussion may include: end-of-life issues, reproductive health, sexuality, parental disciplines, living at risk and other relevant issues. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 3401 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 4416/GAFS 6616
Global Aging and Health 0.5 unit
Undergraduate prerequisite(s): completion of 5.0 units of university credit including 1.0 unit of AGFS or permission of the instructor
Graduate prerequisite(s): enrolment in a graduate program
The course examines the current state of global population aging and aspects that associate with well-being of older persons worldwide. Attention is paid to social life, social change, economic systems, health care demands, and family forms and functions. Focus is comparative across countries, regions and cultures. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 4416 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 4450
Care Policies 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 5.0 units of university credit including 1.0 unit of AGFS, or permission of the instructor
An overview of current policies relating to care in the home, the community, and long-term care facilities in the Canadian context. Existing social policies relating to older people and their families will be critically examined. The processes through which social policies develop will also be explored. Note: Students who have received credit for FSGN 3450 may not take this course for credit.

AGFS 4480
Special Topics in Family Science 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 5.0 units of university credit or permission of the instructor
An opportunity for advanced students to examine selected topics in family science. Topics selected will vary with the interests of the students and with current family issues.

AGFS 4481
Special Topics in Aging 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): completion of 5.0 units of university credit or permission of the instructor
An opportunity for advanced students to examine selected topics in aging. Topics selected will vary with the interests of the students and with current gerontological issues.

AGFS 4490
Directed Study in Family Science 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): permission of the Department
A course designed to encourage the student to do independent work in a particular area of family science. The course outline is developed by the student(s) and professor(s) involved and will include a literature review. The student will be required to present a concise report of results in a written paper.

AGFS 4491
Directed Study in Aging 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): permission of the Department
A course designed to encourage the student to do independent work in a particular area of aging. The course outline is developed by the student(s) and professor(s) involved and will include a literature review. The student will be required to present a concise report of results in a written paper.

AGFS 4499
Honours Thesis 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 15.0 units of university credit, including AGFS 3330 and 3480, and admission to the honours program
Completion of a research thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The associated seminar is devoted to presentations and discussions of students’ thesis research and current faculty research interests.

Academic Note: This web-based calendar information is applicable for the 2025-2026 academic year which runs from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026.

For information on previous years, please consult the University Academic Calendars web page.