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The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work
AGING IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
SOCW 6333 - 001
Summer 2012
Instructor: Kristin Whitehill
Email Address: kristinw@uta.edu
Office Hours: by appointment
Time and Place of Class Meetings: Tuesday, 2-5:50, rm 115
Syllabus is subjective to change at the instructor’s discretion. Additionally, grading is an
objective as well as a subjective process. Grades are final and based on the instructor’s interpretation of the
quality and content of the student’s work.
EPAS Requirements for HBSE:
4.3 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Social work education programs provide content on the reciprocal relationships between human behavior and
social environments. Content includes empirically based theories and knowledge that focus on the interactions
between and among individuals, groups, societies, and economic systems. It includes theories and knowledge of
biological, sociological, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development across the life span; the range of
social systems in which people live (individual, family, group, organizational, and community); and the ways
social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well being.
In addition this course addresses 4.0 Values and Ethics:
Social work education programs integrate content about values and principles of ethical decision making as
presented in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. The educational experience provides
students with the opportunity to be aware of personal values; develop, demonstrate, and promote the values of
the profession; and analyze ethical dilemmas and the ways in which these affect practice, services, and clients.
Links to the SSW MSSW Program Goals and MSSW Foundation Objectives include: the full range of social
systems, critical thinking, the value base of the profession, practice without discrimination, empirical evidence
to understanding individual development and behavior across the life span, and life-long learning.
Graduate Catalog Course Description:
Explores the elderly population in American society, includes discussion of social gerontology, a description of
the aged in the United States and across cultures. Changes among the elderly such as health, finances and social
roles are studied.
Detailed Course Description
This three-hour course is designed to give students an overview of many aspects of the aging process from the
demographics to health care delivery. Social workers, physicians, nurses, nutritionists, public health, and other
health care professionals will encounter aging clients and issues related to again in most settings in which they
work. This course will focus principally on the issues and problems of aging and on the social policies and
programs that most directly affect older persons and their families. This course is designed to provide students
with an awareness of the contributions of the disciplines to gerontology, to provide core information on
gerontology, to prove theories and principles of gerontology, and to provide an understanding of the impact of
an aging society.
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Educational Objectives Addressed:
SOCW6333 addresses the following educational objectives:
1.
Demonstrate an understanding of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, culture, and other client
characteristics, in conducting culturally sensitive, competent, and ethical social work practice.
2.
3.
Plan for life-long learning and activities to update and improve professional knowledge and skills.
This course relates to and advances the program objectives by addressing race, gender, sexual
orientation, ability, and culture in assessments of older persons and expressing in written form a lifelong learning plan.
Student Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the semester, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge areas in their class
assignments, term papers, examinations, and group projects:
1. Demonstrate the basic social, psychological, and biological theories of aging.
2. Demonstrate the problems and issues related to aging in the area of attitudes, stereotypes, and “ageism.”
3. Demonstrate the diversity of aging in terms of gender, class, race, ethnic, and other differences.
4. Describe the problems and issues of aging in the area of health, mental health, family and social support,
long-term care, and service utilization.
5. Apply skills in analyzing gerontological issues.
6. Demonstrate critical analysis of the impact of social programs that bear special importance for older
women and older persons of color.
7.Apply skills in assessing indicators of normal aging and recognition of pathology as well as skills in
assessing social and cultural differences in the elderly people.
Requirements to be in the course
Completion of SOCW 5301, and SOCW 5317
Required Textbook:
Hooyman, N.R., & Kiyak, H.A. (2011). Social gerontology: A multidisciplinary perspective. (9th ed.). New
York: Allyn & Bacon.
Assignments:
All assignments are due in blackboard. The dates and times are all specified in blackboard. You are
responsible for submitting your assignment on time and in blackboard. DO NOT e-mail assignments to me. If
you have questions about blackboard and how to use it, call OIT or contact instructor. It is your responsibility
to turn assignments in on time in blackboard. If you think you might have a difficult time, plan ahead, and
contact OIT before the day the assignment is due. Problems due to uploading assignments should be resolved
well before the deadline of the assignment. I will start deducting points the minute the deadline passes. There
will be no exceptions to this policy. Late assignments will automatically result in a 20- point deduction after the
first day and an additional 10 point deduction for each day past the first date. You must submit your
assignments through blackboard. If you e-mail the assignment to me, I WILL NOT ACCEPT IT. Even if you
e-mail the assignment to me on time, and later send it late through blackboard, I will count the assignment as
late. It is your responsibility to submit assignments in the appropriate place, on time.
Assignments
Weekly Assignments
Value
40%
3
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
Presentations and class participation
Attendance
Total
10%
10%
10%
15%
15%
100%
Weekly Assignments
Each week you will have an assignment due in blackboard. The assignment is either due BEFORE the start of
class. The three lowest assignment grades will be dropped. For example, if you have 13 assignments, only the
10 highest grades will be included in your final grade. Therefore, if you score low on one assignment you will
be able to throw that grade out.
Assignments must be written using complete sentences and APA format. If there are a series of questions, be
sure to answer the questions in paragraph form and proof read. You may number the questions, however, use
COMPLETE SENTENCES.
Be sure to read the instructions carefully regarding the expectations of the assignment and the due date. If you
have any questions you can e-mail your instructor. Late assignments will not be accepted. Assignments will be
scored out of 100 points and constitute 40% of your overall grade.
Paper One
Paper 1 should be 8-10 pages in length following APA format. Students are required to contact a social service
agency specializing in services for older adults and write a summary of the findings.
Identify the agency and type of service unit. Describe the service(s) provided, auspice (public, not- for profit,
for profit), and funding sources. Identify the agency mission. Specify demographic characteristics and typical
problems of the client served by this agency. Specify indicators of successful client outcomes. Obtain a copy
of the agency mission statement, code of ethics and organizational chart (mission, code of ethics and
organizational chart are nout counted in the page limit). Choose one direct service position and obtain a job
description. Provide a detailed summary of what this job entails. Finally, discuss how performance by service
workers is monitored and how client outcomes are measured in your agency. If the agency has no systems for
these functions, briefly describe what would be effective to assess and improve service effectiveness and quality
in your agency. Critically analyze the services provided by the agency and discuss what methods could be used
to improve them.
Paper Two
Paper 2 should be 3-5 pages in length following APA format. Students are required to write an overview of
their career aspirations as a social worker in the field of gerontology.
Introduction: Brief overview of who you are- as a person, in a “nutshell”, reasons for entering the profession,
etc.
Body: Discuss what lead you to want to work with or study older adults. Describe how you will address
problems and issues that arise in terms of attitudes, stereotypes, and “ageism. Explain how you would like to
make a difference within this population. Describe diversity of aging in terms of gender, class, race, ethnic, and
other differences, and how you will approach issues surrounding diversity throughout your career.
Paper Three
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Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to allow you increase understanding in terms of the different
options and overall dynamics associated with planning a funeral. This document is for your survivors and can
make the arrangements easier for loved-ones following your death. It can also open the door to discussion
while living, and decrease anxiety related to facing death.
Required: Typewritten, proof-read. Each response must be numbered/lettered. All questions must be
answered.
Presentations
Students will be asked to present their service unit from paper one and their career aspirations as a social
worker. Basically students are going to provide a brief overview of the first two papers. These presentations
are informal.
Grading Standards
A Point Scale: 90 – 100 points
B Point Scale: 80 – 89.9 points
C Point Scale: 70 – 79.9 points
D Point Scale: 60 – 69.9 points
E Point Scale: less than 60 points
Attendance Policy:
It is expected that you attend class and participate in class discussion. Attendance is taken at each class
session. Each class missed is equivalent to 3 hours of instruction. Early and unexcused exits or absences from
class will be counted as one full absence for the class period. More than 3 absences will result in automatic
failure.
 Students are expected to be on time, attend all class sessions, and stay until the completion of the class.
 Students are to complete reading assignments and be prepared to participate in class discussions and
small group activities.
 All written assignments are due at the beginning of class period of the date specified on the course
outline. Assignments turned in after the due date and time will receive a 0 grade.
 Any disruption of the classroom learning environment (through actions in or out of class) will result in
the identified student(s) being required to leave the class, without possibility of being readmitted, and
cancellation of class work scores for the disrupted class session(s), with a recorded failing semester
grade.
 All graduate students have ascribed to the NASW code of ethics at admission and are responsible for
adhering to standards of professional conduct with colleagues/faculty and elsewhere in the graduate
program.
PLEASE TURN OFF CELL PHONES COMPLETELY WHILE IN CLASS.
Drop Policy:
If you chose to drop the class, you have the responsibility to complete the paperwork according to the
University’s schedule. Not doing so may result in a failing grade.
Americans with Disabilities Act:
The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal
equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With
the passage of federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by
all citizens.
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As a faculty member, I am more than willing (and as required by law) to provide "reasonable accommodations"
to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility
primarily rests with informing faculty of their need for accommodation and in providing authorized
documentation through designated administrative channels. Information regarding specific diagnostic criteria
and policies for obtaining academic accommodations can be found at www.uta.edu/disability. Also, you may
visit the Office for Students with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at (817) 272-3364.
Academic Integrity:
It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely
unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic
dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include
suspension or expulsion from the University.
"Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of
any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for
another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts."
(Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Series 50101, Section 2.2)
The instructor reserves the right to give a grade of “F” for the course as a whole to any student found guilty of
plagiarism by the Office of Student Conduct of any assignment.
Student Support Services Available
The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with
the University and achieve academic success. These programs include learning assistance, developmental
education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring
assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.
E-Culture Policy:
The University of Texas at Arlington has adopted the University email address as an official means of
communication with students. Through the use of email, UT-Arlington is able to provide students with relevant
and timely information, designed to facilitate student success. In particular, important information concerning
registration, financial aid, payment of bills, and graduation may be sent to students through email.
All students are assigned an email account and information about activating and using it is available at
www.uta.edu/email. There is no additional charge to students for using this account, and it remains active as
long as a student is enrolled at UT-Arlington. Students are responsible for checking their email regularly.
Printing Policy
All assignments will be accepted in blackboard. If any of the assignments that require attachments that cannot
be sent, they can be handed to the professor at the start of class on the date due. Printing of digital or online
course materials, other that paper handouts provided by the instructor, is the responsibility of the student.
Late Assignment Policy
No excuse will be accepted for submitting a course project (s) or assignment late given that the dates designated
for submitting those projects have been publicized since the beginning of the course. If you anticipate an
absence, you may send your project or assignment with a classmate or mail it on, or prior, to the due date.
Grade Grievance Policy:
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It is the obligation of the student, in attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, first to make
a serious effort to resolve the matter with the individual with whom the grievance originated. Individual course
instructors retain primary responsibility for assigning grades. The instructor's judgment is final unless
compelling evidence shows discrimination or preferential treatment or procedural irregularities. If students wish
to appeal, their requests must be submitted in writing on an appeal form which is available in departmental or
program offices. The normal academic channels are: department chair or program director, and academic Dean.
However, before considering a grievance, the department chair or program director will refer the issue to a
departmental or program committee of graduate faculty. If the committee cannot reach a decision acceptable to
the parties involved, the matter will follow the remaining academic channels. If students are dissatisfied with
the chair or director's decision, they may appeal the case to the academic Dean.
Course Outline/Topics and Readings
Session 1
Topic: Syllabus, Course Overview, Growth of Gerontology
06/05/2012 Learning outcome: 1, 2, 3
Review: Syllabus
Topic: Biological and Social Theories of Aging
Learning outcome: 1
Class Activity: Life Expectancy
Session
2
06/12/2012
Topic: Managing Chronic Disease, Promoting Well Being
Learning outcome: 2, 4, 7
Topic: Cognitive Changes, Mental Health
Learning outcome: 2, 4, 7
Video: Alzheimer’s
Session
3
06/19/2012
Topic: Resiliency in People of Color and Women
Learning outcome: 2, 6
Topics: Social Supports and Informal Caregiving
Learning outcome: 2, 4
Guest Speaker: Adris Moefett
Class Activity: Caregivers
Session
4
06/26/2012
Topic: Elder Abuse
Learning Outcomes: 2, 4
Topic: Social Service Agencies and the Social Worker’s Role
Learning outcome: 5
Presentations & Paper 1 Due
Guest Speaker: Martha Dent
Session
5
07/02/2012
ONLINE CLASS
Topics: Work, Retirement, Leisure, and Volunteering
Learning outcome: 1, 5
Session
6
07/09/2012
Topic: Love, Intimacy, and Sexuality
Learning outcome: 2, 4, 5
Paper 2 Due
Guest Speaker: Kathleen Wallis
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Session
7
07/16/2012
Topics: Living Arrangements and Social Interactions
Learning outcome: 4, 5
Topic: Death, Dying, Bereavement, and Widowhood
Learning outcome: 3, 4, 7
Guest Speaker: Cara Wallace
Video: Death and Dying
Session
8
07/23/2012
ONLINE CLASS
Topic: Social Policy and Social Service Utilization
Learning outcome: 5, 6
Topic: Health and Long-Term Care Policy
Learning outcome: 4, 6
Session
9
07/31/2012
Topic: Resilience Among Older Adults
Learning Outcomes: 1,5,7
Paper 3 Due
Class Activity: Meta- Synthesis
Topic: Research of Older Adult Populations
Learning Outcome: 5,6,7
Class activity: Journal Exercise
Session
10
08/06/2012
End of semester decompression: Extra Credit