Court of ethics: Teaching ethics and ageing by means of role-playing

Technological and scientific developments, progress in the discipline of gerontology, and an ageing population mean that we now have to contend with previously unknown ethical problems. Therefore, the teaching of ethics is an essential element of a comprehensive education in gerontology. This article discusses the unique aspects of gerontology which make the teaching of the subject of ethics and ageing in this field exceptionally challenging. It also describes the course Ethics and Ageing offered as part of the MA program in gerontology provided by Haifa University's Department of Gerontology. This course uses role-play as an effective technique for teaching complex ethical issues, and it is useful to note the lessons learnt over the five years since the course began. The article also provides full descriptions of the cases, reading materials and the role-playing elements of the course.