Instructor: Dwight L Adams  email: dwightladams@msn.com

REQUIRED TEXT: 
Quadagno, J. (2008) Aging & the Life Course: An introduction to Social Gerontology, 4th Ed., McGraw Hill, Boston

INSTRUCTIONAL WEB SITES:
This one and:

1- "Making the Most of Retirement"
http://www.collegestudy.org/makingthemostofretirement/

2- "Adult Caregiving" http://www.collegestudy.org/adultcaregiving/

3- "Remember When...III"  http://members.tripod.com/dwightladams/

4- "Adult Transitions" http://www.collegestudy.org/adulttransitions/

5- "Case Management for Older Adults"  http://www.collegestudy.org/casemanagement/

6- "Diversity Training"  http://www.collegestudy.org/diversitytraining/

Objectives 

   As a multi-disciplinary field, you will find a great deal of variety in the study of Aging. Gerontology is actually the scientific study of aging: from  CONCEPTION to DEATH, not just discussing "old people." It covers the total life span of the human species.

Overview of Content 

   By the end of the semester, students should be able to:

     1- Do a detailed account of your calculations for your personal longevity. Use the data found in the web sites.

     2- Understand the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors as they influence life-long aging.

     3- Appreciate the value of the multidisciplinary nature of the field of gerontology.

     4- Describe and use several prominent theories of aging.

     5- Identify several specific demographic trends and discuss the implications for individuals, communities, states, and nations of the world.

     6- Identify a broad range of issues and concerns of older adults & recommendations for improving their quality of life.

     7- Explain the functions of various service and professional organizations that are part of the aging network.

     8- Understand some of the unique features of doing gerontological research. 

     9- Understand their own attitudes and beliefs about aging and older adults and make their views more consistent with information gained from the course.

     10- Be more familiar with career opportunities related to aging.

     11- Meet their own personal goals for the course, particularly to recognize the value of community service as a method of gaining knowledge while helping others.

Teaching & Learning Methods 

   Learning is accomplished by a combination of in class experiences, projects, and homework. Attendance and class participation will influence your final grade. 

   Student participation and development in the discussions are important parts of the class. While holding to the premise that openness is strongly encouraged, civility will be expected of all participants. Discussions should not focus on opinions or personal experiences, but on critical analysis of the subject at hand. Students will not be academically punished or rewarded for their views.

Required Term Projects for All Students

A- Using the "Remember When...III" web site, find your own "age cohort group" (when you were about 14, including those as much as 5 years younger and 5 years older; a 10 year period of time). See if you agree with the songs that are listed as popular then. See if historical or political happenings at that time made a conscious  impression on you. Did your favorite movie of the time win an Oscar?

Write a paper (1 1/2 + pages) on what you found and be prepared to discuss this in class during the EARLY portion of the semester.

ALL PAPERS and the PROJECT are due before doing the Final.