8/21/08
Sociology of Aging: GERO-22000/SOCI-22000
TR 1:10 p.m.--2:25 p.m.
Hill 58
Professor: John A. Krout
Office: 411 Center for Health Sciences
Phone: (607) 274-1965
E-mail:
Office hours: TR 2:30-4:00, MW 2:30-4:00 (with some exceptions) and by appointment. I am often in my office but please email or phone ahead if you plan to come by outside office hours.
Course Description:
Hello!! We are about to take an exciting journey together to explore and understand the social aspects of aging, how aging impacts our lives and those around us, as well as communities, nations and the world. We are going to challenge some of your assumptions about aging and old people and when the course ends, you will not see older people (or yourself and your loved ones) the way you do right now. You will learn how many things you have in common with older people and how much they differ from one another. Most importantly, you will look at aging not as something that happens to you rather suddenly, but as a lifelong process in which you participate and influence. Most of all, you will learn how to ask questions about aging and how gerontologists examine them.
During the semester we will learn about the prominent sociological theories and research methods in the field of aging and the ways in which the experience of aging is socially constructed. We will use the life course perspective more than any other and there is also a special emphasis on how the role of social class, gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation affects the experience of growing old.
Prerequisite:
You must have taken either Introduction to Sociology (SOCI-lOlOO) or Introduction to
Aging Studies (GERO-1O100). Please see the instructor immediately if you lack one of
these prerequisites.
Course Objectives: The objectives of this course are to:
· Think critically and communicate effectively in written and oral form;
· Understand and apply sociological and gerontological perspectives on aging, particularly the life-course perspective;
· Understand the diversity of the older population and appreciate the impact of rural/urban differences, culture, race, ethnicity, social class, and gender;
· Be more knowledgeable about world-wide/global aging;
· Understand the basis of stereotypes of aging and their impacts;
· Understand major substantive areas of aging such as-politics, health, family relationships and caregiving, work and retirement, economic well-being, housing, and demographics;
· Obtain a basic understanding of how to conduct gerontological research and present results, and to read, analyze and use research-based information.
Required Reading:
We use two books in this course. The first by Morgan and Kunkel is a traditional text that provides the basic information we need to conduct our journey. It stresses concepts and trends more than anything else and is both scholarly and very readable. The second by Stoller and Gibson is a reader that has very few “fact” articles. It mostly uses literature to tell stories about aging that are very engaging and interesting. The two books, I think, are quite complimentary.
Aging, Society and the Life Course, Third Edition, by Leslie Morgan and Suzanne Kunkel, Springer Publishing, New York: NY. 2007. Also one copy on reserve in the library.
Worlds of Difference, Third Edition, edited by Eleanor Palo Stoller and Rose Gibson. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. 1999. Also one copy on reserve in the library.
Additional readings from the web will be assigned.
Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated based upon the following:
Class Participation 3 points
1 Reading synopsis 5
2 Assignments 12
Interview 15
Midterm Exam 30
Final Exam 35
Total 100
Extra Credit (1) 5
Class Participation: Class participation includes attendance, thoughtful participation in discussion of class readings, and completion of reading synopses and presentations. Students who have more than 3 unexcused absences will have their final grade lowered by 1 point for each class missed over the 3 excused absences. All students are responsible for work missed during their absences and announcements/assignments that were made in the classes missed.
Students will also receive from 0 to 3 points for their participation in class discussions.
Reading Synopsis: Each student will be required to write a 300-500 word synopsis of assigned readings from the Worlds of Difference book and lead a class discussion on the reading. The student cannot read the synopsis but must lead the class in some kind of activity to explore the reading (e.g. a short quiz). The instructor will assign the readings randomly.
Assignments: Each student will be required to complete 2 (out of 3) assignments which entail finding information beyond class assigned materials to address an assigned topic and write a paper of from 300-500 words.
Interview with Older Adult: You will interview someone who is at least 65 years old and engage them in a conversation about their life and write a paper of 1,000-1,500 words per the assignment. Your focus should be on finding out about important aspects of their life course. This would be major events in their lives, the age when they were experienced, the period in which they were experienced and the impact of those experiences on themselves and others. This is due December 9th.
ALL Assignments: Will be typed, stapled, double spaced in 12 point font with 1 inch margins all around. A cover page with your name, date and name of assignment is also required. Appropriate citations must be made from sources other than your personal knowledge. “A” papers must show originality and thoughtfulness and be free of significant spelling and grammatical errors.
Please note: Your assignments are due on the date indicated. Points will be deducted for late assignments, unless there is a verifiable emergency. One-third of a letter grade for each day late.
Midterm Exam: The take home, essay midterm exam will test you on readings, lectures, guest speakers, videos, and class discussions that have taken place during the first portion of the semester. The midterm exam is scheduled for October 14th.
Final Exam: The final exam will cover all the material from the course but with particular emphasis on information covered since the mid-term. Tuesday, December 16th, 10:30-1:00 p.m. in Hill 58.
Extra Credit: There will be two opportunities for extra credit. The first is to attend an evening lecture of the Gerontology Distinguished Speaker Series on September 25 and write a 350 word reaction (not review) paper. This will entail citing at least 2 print sources other than assigned readings to support your reaction.
The second is to complete a third class assignment.
PLEASE NOTE: 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.
PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with New York State law, students who miss class due to their religious beliefs shall be excused from class or examinations on that day. Such students must notify their course instructors at least one week before any anticipated absence so that proper arrangements may be made to make up any missed work or examination without penalty.
See the Ithaca College Student Handbook which outlines the College policies regarding standards of academic conduct. Any evidence of academic misconduct will be referred to the College judicial system.
BLACKBOARD
All of the class materials are posted on Blackboard for your convenience and to assist you keep informed about and track your progress in the course.
A Blackboard basics sheet will be handed out in class.
SPECIAL NOTE TO AGING STUDIES MAJORS
Aging Studies majors should think about how writing assignments might make good additions to their ePortfolios. Contact Pamela Mayberry at or 4-1607 for more information.
Course Schedule
The professor reserves the right to alter the class schedule. You are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the day’s reading. M & K means the text, W means the reader Worlds of Difference.
PART I: Introduction: Why and How We Study Aging
Aug. 28: Introduction to the Course
Sep. 2: Social Aging and The Life Course Perspective
M&K, chapter 1
W, pp 1-15, reading 12, 36
Sep. 4: Cultural Images of Aging and Diversity in the U.S.
W, pp 75-88 Video
W, readings 8,10,11,14
Stereotype Assignment Hand Out
Sep. 9: How We Study Aging/ ASSIGNMENT # 1 DUE- Images/Stereotypes
M&K pp 25-37
Web Link: Age, Period Cohort
Sep. 11: Studying Aging (continued)
M&K pp 37-58
W reading 15
Sep. 16: How Societies Age and Global Aging
M&K pp 59-80
Web- go to www.prb.org
Discussion- read at least two entrees on WORLD/GLOBAL aging trends or issues to discuss in class
Sep. 18: Aging in the United States- GUEST SPEAKER
M&K pp 80-89
Web- go to www.aoa.gov/prof/statistics/profile/profiles.aspx
Discussion- select 3 demographics to discuss in class
PART II: The Life Course Perspective: Social; and Psychological Context of Aging
Sep. 23: Life Course/Diversity and The Life Course
M&K chapter 4
W pp 19-29
Sep. 25: Diversity and the Life Course- GUEST SPEAKER
W readings 2, 3
Sep. 30: Diversity and the Life Course
W readings 4, 5, 6, 13, 18
Oct. 2: Family as an Institution
M&K chapter 5
W pp. 203-220, reading 31, 32
Oct. 7: Family and the Life Course
M&K pp 133-147
W readings 28, 29, 33, 34
Oct. 9: Families and Caregiving- GUEST SPEAKER
M&K pp 147-157
Oct 14: MID TERM
Oct 16: FALL BREAK: NO CLASS
PART III: Productivity, Retirement and Economic Well-Being
Oct 21: Work Over the Life Course
M&K chapter 7
W pp 123-141
Oct 23: State Society on Aging Conference NO CLASS
Diversity in the Work Experience
Oct 28: Diversity in Work
W readings 17, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26
Oct 30: Retirement: GUEST SPEAKER
M&K chapter 8
Web Link: Baby Boomers
Nov 4: Diversity in Retirement
W readings 16, 27
Web Link: Multigenerational Work Place
Nov 6: Economic Well Being and Social Security/ ASSIGNMENT #2 DUE Social Security
M&K chapter 9
Web Link: Future of Social Security
Nov 11: Inequality in Economic Well-Being
Web Links
Part IV. Health and Mortality: Inequalities
Nov 13: Health Status
M&K chapter 10
Web Link: Cohort Changes
Nov 18: Diversity in Health Status
W pp 269-284
W readings 37,44,42,43
Web Links: SES and Race
Nov 20: Health Care
M&K pp 269-285
W readings 39, 40, 41
Nov 25, 27 THANKSGIVING BREAK: No Classes
Dec 2: Long-Term Care/ASSIGNMENT # 3 DUE Long-Term Care
M&K pp 285-295
W reading 38
Web Link: Financing Long-Term Care
Dec 4: Politics- Role of Old Age
M&K chapter 12
Web Links: Politics and Ageism
Dec 9: Politics of Old Age: Generational Equity? INTERVIEW PAPER DUE
M&K chapter 12
Web Links
Dec 11: Aging in the Future and the Future of Aging
M&K chapter 13
FINAL EXAM Tuesday, December 16th, 10:30-1 pm. Hill 58
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