Foundations of Gerontology

Masters Degree in Gerontology Counseling Psychology

GRC 500

Breyer State University
Instructor: Juan Kenigstein, PH.D, M.ED., GC-C

SYLLABUS

COURSE OVERVIEW: Welcome to Foundations of Gerontology, a Master Level course in the curriculum for the Degree, Master of Science in Gerontology Counseling Psychology. I'm pleased to offer you this course. This is an exciting course. This course will provide an understanding of the social, psychological, physiological, economic, legal, philosophical aspects, the future of aging, the elderly and the community. The underlying theme for this semester will be how older adults define quality of life as they age. Aging is a natural process for all living things. Technical and scientific breakthroughs have contributed greatly to increasing life expectancies. These breakthroughs in combination with social, economic, and political forces have led to changes in the composition of the population.

TIME FRAME: This is a four-semester hour course. This course is allotted ten weeks of time. You must complete all of the requirements for the course successfully by the end of the ten-week period. The first day of week one will begin the day that you register for the course, or the day which you notify me that your text book(s) have arrived and you are ready to begin your studies. Please be cognizant of the time frame. It is rare that extensions of time are permitted, unless you have good justification. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded four semester hours of credit. Students may accelerate, but may not complete this course in less than four weeks.

TEXTBOOK: There is one (1) required textbook for this course.

Book 1: Aging: An Introduction to Gerontology. Lewis R. Aiken. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. 1995: ISBN # 0-8039-5445-X.

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EXAMINATIONS: There are no examinations for this course; grades are based on completion of assignments and activities.

GRADING: The grading scale for this course is as follows:

90-100%    = A
80-89%      = B
70-79%      = C
Below 70% = Fail

GRADING COMPOSITION:

13 Chapter Activities (45 questions) 60%
Self evaluation                                 5%
Interview Project                            20%
Discovery & Intention Statement        5%
2 Assignments                                10%

TOTAL 100%

GOALS: The aim of education about Gerontology is to understand that "older adults are at least as diverse as younger people and hence should be viewed and treated as unique, valuable individuals who are more interested in adding life to their years than merely years to their lives" (Aiken, 1995).

COMMUNICATION: You are encouraged to communicate with me. I am available as a teacher, coach, and mentor to assist you in meeting your goals for this course. Primarily, communication is through email. However, I am also available for conversation by telephone if you would like. Our classroom for this course has a "chat" room. I am also very willing to meet with you one-on-one in the chat room at your request. From time to time, depending on how many students are enrolled in this course at a particular time, we will have some scheduled group chats. You will receive more detailed information at the time such chat sessions are scheduled. Please keep my email address handy so that you can contact me whenever necessary. Upon registration, you will receive my email address. If at any time during this course you change your email address, please be sure to notify me right away.

METHODS: Readings from textbook, professional books and journals Self-awareness/exploration activities

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

1). Describe the major theories of aging.
2). Identify how the welfare state has impacted on old age.
3). Understand the interdisciplinary nature of the field of gerontology.
4). Explore how biology, social sciences, social work, and the humanities all add to our understanding of aging and the aged.
5). Develop an elementary understanding of scientific, historical, and cultural perspectives of gerontology.
6). Understand how physiological, psychological and social changes impact the life course.
7). Introduce gerontology theory.
8). Understand the life course perspective.
9). Explore myths and stereotypes of aging.
10). Examine the impact of ageism in contemporary culture.
11). Appreciate the strengths of diversity in an aging population.
12). Demonstrate an appreciation of social roles and relationship transitions among older people, their families and friends.
13). Identify the major health and health care issues.
14). Demonstrate an understanding social, economic, and political forces impacting on older persons.

COURSE OUTLINE:

1). The Study of Aging.
2). Physical Structure and Functioning.
3). Illness and Health Care.
4). Cognitive Abilities.
5). Personality and Problems of Adjustment.
6). Treating Adjustment Problems and Mental Disorders.
7). Sex and Marital Relations.
8). Social Status and Roles.
9). Employment and Retirement.
10). Economics and Aging.
11). Living Arrangements and Activities.
12). Crime and the Law.
13). Death and Bereavement.
14). Organizations and Programs Concerned With Aging and Older.
15). Adulthood.
16). Periodicals Concerned With Aging and Older Adulthood.

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