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Don Grant

Although all humans require care to develop and thrive, it is rarely the focus of academic studies. This course enriches learner’s understanding of this critical yet underappreciated facet of their lives by addressing such questions as: What is care? Who has traditionally provided it? How valued is care work? Does money take the care out of care work? In addition to advancing learner’s knowledge of the place of care in modern society and controversies surrounding it, Thinking About Care will give learners the opportunity to learn a strategy that surveys existing approaches to care.

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What's inside

Syllabus

What is care and should we study it?
In this module, you will learn why care is such a challenging topic to study.
Who has traditionally provided care?
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In this module, you will learn about the historical division of care.
What are the different types of paid care work, and what motivates individuals to enter care occupations?
In this module, you will learn about the different opportunities to work as a paid caregiver in modern society.
How valued is care?
In this module, you will learn how modern society devalues care.
Choose Your Controversy
In this module, you will learn about two controversial issues surrounding care.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores complex societal views on care
Taught by experts in the field of care
Develops understanding of the history, types, and value of care work
Examines controversial issues surrounding care
Suitable for learners of any level interested in care and its role in society

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Reviews summary

Highly praised care course

According to students, this engaging course offers valuable insights into the concept of care and is highly recommended. The course is part of a three-part series, and learners found the information provided to be informative and comprehensive.
Students recommend course.
"Great course"
"This is part two, of a three course and I am excited and more informed due to the information provides in these courses."
"thank you for allowing me to participate."
Learns provide insights.
"I get know about care."
"I am excited and more informed due to the information provides in these courses."
"thank you for allowing me to participate."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Thinking About Care with these activities:
Review Caregiving Techniques
Review basic caregiving techniques, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, to ensure proficiency and refresh your knowledge.
Show steps
  • Read caregiving manuals or articles to refresh your knowledge on basic techniques.
  • Watch instructional videos or attend training sessions on specific caregiving skills.
  • Practice these techniques under the supervision of an experienced caregiver or healthcare professional.
Practice Communication Skills
Practice effective communication skills, such as active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution, through role-playing exercises or online simulations.
Browse courses on Interpersonal Skills
Show steps
  • Identify common communication challenges in caregiving.
  • Practice using different communication techniques in simulated scenarios.
  • Receive feedback on your communication skills and identify areas for improvement.
Take a refresher course on the history of caregiving
Review the history of caregiving to gain a deeper understanding of its societal and cultural significance.
Browse courses on Caregiving
Show steps
  • Enroll in an online or in-person refresher course on the history of caregiving.
  • Read books and articles about the history of caregiving.
  • Watch documentaries and films about the history of caregiving.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Caregiver Support Group
Connect with other caregivers through support groups or online forums to share experiences, offer support, and learn from each other.
Browse courses on Caregiver Support
Show steps
  • Find a caregiver support group in your community or online.
  • Attend meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions.
  • Share your experiences and challenges, and offer support to other caregivers.
Complete practice exercises on the concept of 'care'
Reinforce your understanding of the multifaceted nature of 'care' through guided exercises.
Browse courses on Care
Show steps
  • Access online or printable exercises that explore different definitions and perspectives on 'care'.
  • Engage in group discussions or online forums to share your interpretations and insights.
Design a care plan
Design a comprehensive care plan for a specific care recipient, taking into account their needs, preferences, and goals.
Show steps
  • Interview the care recipient and their family to gather information about their needs, preferences, and goals.
  • Develop a plan that addresses the care recipient's physical, emotional, and social needs.
  • Include goals, interventions, and timelines for monitoring and evaluation.
Support Novice Caregivers
Share your caregiving knowledge and experience by mentoring novice caregivers, providing guidance, and answering their questions.
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor new caregivers through organizations or support groups.
  • Provide guidance on caregiving techniques, resources, and emotional support.
  • Create a supportive environment for novice caregivers to ask questions.

Career center

Learners who complete Thinking About Care will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Care Manager
Care managers coordinate care for individuals who have complex medical and social needs. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for care managers as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help care managers to develop strategies for providing more effective care to their clients.
Doctor
Doctors diagnose and treat patients with a variety of illnesses and injuries. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for doctors as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help doctors to develop strategies for providing more compassionate and effective care to their patients.
Health Educator
Health educators promote health and well-being in a variety of settings, including schools, community centers, and workplaces. They may work with individuals and groups of all ages. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for health educators as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help health educators to develop strategies for promoting health and well-being more effectively.
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They may work with patients of all ages and with a variety of illnesses and injuries. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for nurses as it provides a broader understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help nurses to develop strategies for providing more compassionate and effective care to their patients.
Teacher
Teachers educate and care for students in a variety of settings, including schools, daycare centers, and community centers. They may work with students of all ages and with a variety of needs. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for teachers as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help teachers to develop strategies for providing more nurturing and effective care to their students.
Counselor
Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals and families who are facing a variety of challenges. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and private practices. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for counselors as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help counselors to develop strategies for providing more compassionate and effective care to their clients.
Childcare Provider
Childcare providers care for children in a variety of settings, including homes, daycare centers, and preschools. They may work with children of all ages and with a variety of needs. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for childcare providers as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help childcare providers to develop strategies for providing more nurturing and effective care to the children in their care.
Researcher
Researchers conduct research to advance knowledge in a variety of fields. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and private companies. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for researchers as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help researchers to develop strategies for conducting research more effectively.
Community Organizer
Community organizers work to build and empower communities. They may work on a variety of issues, including affordable housing, education, and health care. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for community organizers as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help community organizers to develop strategies for organizing communities more effectively.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They may work in a variety of settings, including social service agencies, environmental organizations, and arts organizations. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for nonprofit managers as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help nonprofit managers to develop strategies for managing their organizations more effectively.
Writer
Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including informing, educating, and entertaining. They may work in a variety of settings, including newspapers, magazines, and publishing houses. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for writers as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help writers to develop strategies for writing about care more effectively.
Social Worker
Social workers are responsible for providing support and assistance to individuals, families, and communities. They may work with a variety of populations, including the elderly, disabled, children, and families in crisis. This course on Thinking About Care can be useful for social workers as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help social workers to develop strategies for providing more effective care to their clients.
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts research and analyze public policies and make recommendations for improvements. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and nonprofits. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for policy analysts as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help policy analysts to develop strategies for analyzing public policies more effectively.
Advocate
Advocates represent and defend the rights of individuals and groups. They may work on a variety of issues, including civil rights, environmental justice, and disability rights. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for advocates as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help advocates to develop strategies for advocating for their clients more effectively.
Social Policy Analyst
Social policy analysts research and analyze social problems and develop policies to address them. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and nonprofits. This course on Thinking About Care may be useful for social policy analysts as it provides a deeper understanding of the concept of care and its importance in society. It can also help social policy analysts to develop strategies for developing more effective policies to address social problems.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Thinking About Care.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethics of care, exploring its implications for personal relationships, political decision-making, and global justice.
Explores the relationship between care and environmental justice, arguing that the destruction of the environment form of violence against both humans and non-humans.
Explores the relationship between care and gift-giving, arguing that gift-giving form of care that creates social bonds.
Provides a feminist perspective on care ethics, arguing that care central moral virtue that should be at the heart of our ethical thinking.

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