Course Title: Aging: Myths &
Realities Credit Hours: 3
Date of Final Approval: March 1990 Semester
Offered: Fall
Course is cross-listed with NU/SO/SW and is recommended for
Anthropology, Nursing, Sociology and Social Work majors. The course counts as
an upper-level credit for other disciplines.
1. CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION: This course explores the major issues and concepts pertinent to the aging process and introduces the discipline of gerontology. It investigates the developmental and group behavior of mature adults and the social phenomena that arise from an increasing presence of older persons in the population.
2. COURSE CONTENT: The
prevailing theories of the biological/social aging process, and the physical,
psychological and economic problems that might arise in late life will be
presented and students will learn bow these factors can impinge on the social
well being of the older person and the social structure of the a community.
Aging as it occurs in different societies and throughout history will be
discussed. Social myths and stereotypes will be explored. An overview of
existing aging policies and special programs for the older population is
included, as is a section on dying, death and grieving.
3. RATIONALE FOR THE
COURSE: This course allows students to acquire knowledge about all aspects of
the aging process and help them to understand the problems of aging in today’s
society.
4. SKILLS AND BACKGROUND
REQUIRED OR EXPECTED: Students should have taken Anthropology 101, Sociology
101 and Psychology 101 and have completed all English requirements.
5. TEACHING
METHODOLOGIES AND ANTICIPATED CLASS SIZE: The
anticipated class size is
15-20. The class offers a combination of lectures, audiovisual presentations,
practical exercises, and class discussions.. Occasional guest speakers will
discuss special topics in the coursework. Required projects will reflect the
student’s major field of study (e.g. anthropology, sociology, nursing, social
work) as it applies to the study of aging.
6. Additional
Course Descriptors. None
7. LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR
STIJDENTS: Students completing
the course will:
1) acquire
knowledge and understanding of the
common biological, social, psychological and economic aspects of aging by
comparing theories to reality;
2) become familiar with the
science of gerontology and career choices in the aging field;
3) learn about available
resources, programs and services for older persons in
the USA and Guam;
4)
become more comfortable with the notion
of dying, death and grieving and
learn about the ethical issues surrounding these subjects.
8. METHODS
OF EVALUATION. Students’
evaluation is based on attendance
and participation in class; an interview/history of an older person;
critique of two journal articles related to gerontology; mid-term examination,
final examination and a research/ term project related to each student’s major.
9. REQIJ1RED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR STUDY GUIDES:
Hoyman & Kyak, Social Gerontology, 4th
or 5th edition. Allyn and Bacon,
Boston.
Recommended: Kart, Cary 5: The
Realities of Aging. 4th edition.
Allyn Bacon, Boston. Additional reading is be assigned from journals and
handouts.
10. SUBSEQUENT COURSES: As required by the major studies of each
student.