Ithaca College Gerontology Institute Introduction to Aging Studies Spring 2008
GERO-10100-03 GERO-10100-04 MWF 10:00-10:50 am MWF 11:00-11:50 am Williams 202 Williams 202
Mary Ann Erickson, Ph.D. Office: 421 Center for Health Sciences Phone: 274-3705 (office), 273-8157 (home) E-mail: merickson@ithaca.edu Office hours: MWF noon-1 & by appointment
Course Description This course is designed to provide an introduction to the social, psychological, and physical dimensions of aging. We will examine the aging process experienced by the individual and how the aging of the population affects our society as a whole. By the end of the class, you will be able to: 1. Identify myths and stereotypes of aging and describe how these shape attitudes and policy toward older adults. 2. Describe demographic changes occurring in the U.S. and other countries, and explain the implications for society. 3. Compare theoretical perspectives that explain the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. 4. Describe normal age-related changes in the physiological, psychological, sexual, and social domains. 5. Recognize sources of diversity in the aging experience, and describe the impact of gender, race, culture, and socioeconomic status on older people. 6. Identify current issues affecting older adults, and describe existing policies and programs that address these.
Required Books 1. Novak, Mark (2006). Issues in Aging. Pearson. 2. Kleiner, Gregg (1996). Where River Turns to Sky. Avon Books. 3. Snyder, Lisa (2000). Speaking Our Minds. W. H. Freeman. 4. Supplemental readings will be available either through handouts or through electronic reserves.
EVALUATION: The final course grade will be determined based on the following:
3 tests, 16% each Written Work Images of Aging Reflection on novel Disease case study Alzheimer’s reflection One on One Issue paper
48%
5% 5% 5% 5% 10% 14% 44%
Class discussion assignments and web postings
8%
100% DESCRIPTIONS OF ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS 1. Tests: There will be 2 in-class tests during the semester, and a non-cumulative final exam. Each test is 16% of your grade. Tests are a mix of true/false, matching, multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Study guides will be handed out before each test. 2. Writing Assignments: Writing assignments will be typed, double spaced in 12 point font with 1 inch margins all around. A cover page is preferred. Papers should be stapled! Appropriate citations should be used for any information/quotes you use from sources other than your own personal knowledge. Papers that receive a grade in the “A” range must be interesting, original, and/or thoughtful; they must also be free of significant spelling and grammatical errors. 3. Class discussion assignments and web postings: Throughout the semester there will be short assignments, some to post to the class website, others to complete in class. In-class work cannot be made up without a valid excuse (see below!!). We will have 8.5 points of assignments, so one .5 point assignment can be missed without penalty. ****** LATE POLICY: If a writing assignment is turned in late, but within two days (weekdays, not class periods) of the original due date, it will be accepted but will be marked down 10% per day. Written work will not be accepted after that. Discussion assignments cannot be turned in late or made up unless you make prior arrangements with me OR you can provide a valid excuse for missing class. Valid excuses are written confirmations of athletic conflicts, illness, and religious conflicts. *****
COURSE WEBSITE: There will be important course information on the course website at courses.ithaca.edu. Course documents such as the syllabus, study guides, and assignment sheets will be available; I will also post my Power Point notes. We will occasionally use the discussion group feature. You will also be able to view your grade online. Monitor the site for announcements about assignments and supplemental readings. EXTRA CREDIT: You can earn 1 extra credit point by attending a public lecture given by Dr. Stephen Austed on Thursday, March 20 at 7 pm in the Emerson Suites. Dr. Austed’s research focuses on the biology of aging. The talk will be over by 8:30 pm. There may be other opportunities, however only one extra credit point can be earned. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Appendix II of the Ithaca College Student Handbook outlines the College policies regarding standards of academic conduct. Any evidence of academic misconduct will be referred to the College judicial system and will be assessed a significant grade penalty. This includes quoting without attribution (i.e., plagiarism).
ATTENDANCE: It is expected that students will attend class. If absences do occur it is the student’s responsibility to make up missed work and to be aware of any schedule changes or assignments that were made in the class(es) missed. Discussion and short assignments may NOT be made up unless prior arrangements have been made.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided to students with documented disabilities on a case by case basis. Students must register with the Office of Academic Support Services and provide appropriate documentation to the college before any academic adjustment will be provided. LETTER GRADE SCALE The scale below will be used for midterm and final course grades. (NOTE: I do not “round up”. If your final class point total is 89.8, you have earned a B+ in the class.) 93 A 73 C 90 A70 C87 B+ 67 D+ 83 B 63 D 80 B60 D77 C+ <60 F
Introduction to Aging Studies
Tentative Schedule: Spring 2008 *Assigned readings should be completed by the date on the schedule.
Viewing Aging Through Different Lenses
Date W 1/23 F 1/25 M 1/28 W 1/30 F 2/1 M 2/4 W 2/6 F 2/8 M 2/11 W 2/13 F 2/15 M 2/18 W 2/20 F 2/22 M 2/25 Topic Cultural Constructs Introduction Elder Abuse Stereotypes About Aging History and Culture Disability Models of Aging Demographics Population Aging Effects of Population Aging Relationships Changing Cohorts Diversity Gender Race Sexual orientation Review and discuss novel Exam Novak 1 Novak 3 Supplemental reading Novak 2 (pp. 25-39) Novak 4 Kleiner pp. 1-101 Novak 13 Novak 2 (pp. 39-51) Kleiner pp. 105-233 Novak 7 Kleiner pp. 235-end Web posting on novel Reflection on novel due Images of Aging paper due Web posting on age in the media Readings Assignments Due
Issues in Aging
W 2/27 F 2/29 M 3/3 W 3/5 F 3/7 M 3/17 W 3/19 F 3/21 M 3/24 W 3/26 F 3/28 M 3/31 Work and Retirement Work Age Discrimination Retirement and Pensions Social Security Aging and Anti-Aging Why and How Do We Age? Anti-Aging Longevity Chronic Disease Older Athletes Sexuality Review Exam Supplemental reading One-on-One Paper due Novak 9 Novak 10
Novak 5 Supplemental reading Supplemental reading Web posting in response to “Never Say Die”
Healthcare W 4/2 F 4/4 M 4/7 W 4/9 F 4/11 M 4/14 W 4/16 F 4/18 M 4/21 W 4/23 F 4/25 M 4/28 W 4/30 F 5/2 M 5/5 Medicare and Medicaid Long-Term Care Caregiving and Elder Abuse Living Environments Death & Dying Death & Dying Mental Health and Alzheimer’s Cognition Older Drivers Personality and Mental Health Alzheimer’s Disease Coping with Alzheimer’s Coping with Alzheimer’s Politics and Equity Politics of Age Generational Equity The Future of Aging Issue Paper due Snyder book Novak 15 Alzheimer’s reflection paper due Supplemental reading Supplemental reading Novak 11 Novak 14 Web posting response to “Life Support” Novak 6 Disease Case Study due Novak 8
FINAL: The third exam will take place at a special exam time TBA.