Ithaca College
Gerontology Institute
Introduction to Aging Studies
Spring 2013
GERO-10100-03
GERO-10100-04
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
Email:
Office Hours:
TR 1:10 – 2:25 p.m.
TR 2:35 – 3:50 p.m.
Williams 211
Williams 211
Elizabeth J. Bergman, Ph.D.
420 Center for Health Sciences
607-274-3859
ebergman@ithaca.edu
Thursdays, 10:00am – 1:00pm & by appointment
Course Description & Objectives:
Aging affects everyone. This course provides an overview of the field of gerontology including the
physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging. This introductory course is appropriate for
students from all majors who are interested in learning more about the process of aging, and it
will also provide a basis for more advanced course work. In addition to theory and research on
aging, we will discuss practical issues of importance to all of us who are growing older or who deal
with older parents, clients, or patients.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Identify myths and stereotypes of aging and describe how these shape attitudes and policy
toward older adults.
2. Describe demographic changes occurring in the U.S. and other countries, and
explain the implications for society.
3. Explain the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes due to normal aging.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the social context within which aging occurs.
5. Compare theoretical perspectives that explain the biological, psychological, and social
aspects of aging.
6. Recognize sources of diversity in the aging experience, and describe the impact of
gender, race, culture, and socioeconomic status on older people.
7. Identify current issues affecting older adults, and describe existing policies and
programs that address these.
8. Understand the academic field of gerontology, be prepared for further
coursework in this area, and gain awareness of aging-related career opportunities.
Required Text:
1. Novak, M. Issues in Aging, (3rd ed.). 2011. Pearson.
2. Kleiner, G. Where River Turns to Sky. 1996. Avon Books. (Any edition of this novel is fine)
3. Snyder, Speaking Our Minds. 2009. Health Professions Press (or earlier editions, 1999, 2000.
W.H. Freeman & Company. This book went out of print and now has been reissued. The
necessary content is the same in the old and new editions).
Supplemental readings will be available as handouts or through electronic reserves.
Evaluation:
The final grade you earn in this course will be based on the following:
Exams
51%
3 Exams (Noncumulative) @ 17% each
Written Work
Reflection on Where River Turns to Sky
Speaking Our Minds Assignment
Interview with an Older Adult Paper
6%
6%
16%
28%
Individual and Group Work
21%
Classroom and Homework Assignments
14%
(8 assignments, each worth 2%; can miss 1 or drop your lowest)
Participation
7%
Total
100%
Course Requirement Descriptions:
1. Exams – There will be 3 noncumulative exams. Each exam will cover material from the
text, other assigned readings, lectures, films, class discussions, and activities.
2. Written Work – Writing assignments are intended to reinforce class materials and to help
you apply what you have learned to real world situations. All written work must be typed,
double-spaced and in 12 point font with 1 inch margins, unless otherwise specified in class
or in the assignment description I distribute in class. Use appropriate citations for any
information/quotes from sources other than your own personal knowledge or opinions.
Papers that receive a grade of “A” must be interesting, original, and thoughtful and must be
free of significant spelling and grammatical errors. After an assignment or exam grade has
been posted, I will reconsider your grade if (and only if) I receive a request in writing
which includes a description of what part of the grade/assessment is incorrect or
unreasonable and an argument as to why you believe your grade should be modified.
3. Individual and Group Work – Throughout the semester you will complete a number of
short assignments - in class, as homework, and on the course Sakai site. Some assignments
will be completed individually and others as a group. Do not miss class without a valid
excuse and expect that work can be made up (see Attendance & Late Work Policy below).
There will be a total of 8 Classroom & Homework Assignments and each will count as 2% of
your final grade. You can miss one or drop your lowest grade at the end of the semester.
Attendance & Late Work Policy:
It is expected that students will attend class. If absences do occur it is the student’s responsibility
to be aware of any schedule changes or assignments that were made in the class(es) missed.
Classroom & Homework Assignments cannot be turned in late or made up unless you notify me of
an excused absence before class OR you can provide a valid excuse for missing class. Valid excuses
for any missed work are written confirmations of athletic conflicts, illness, and religious conflicts.
If any assignment is turned in late, but within two days (weekdays, not class periods) of the
original due date, it will be accepted but will be marked down 10% per day. Work will not be
accepted after that.
Letter Grade Scale:
This scale will be used for midterm and final course grades.
93+ A
73
C
90
A70
C87
B+
67
D+
83
B
63
D
80
B60
D77
C+
<60 F
Online Course Materials:
Important course materials will be available on the course Sakai site, including the syllabus,
additional reading material, detailed assignments, and grade book. Monitor the site carefully for
announcements about assignments and supplemental readings.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
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.
Mental Health Statement:
Diminished mental health, including significant stress, mood changes, excessive worry, or
problems with eating and/or sleeping can interfere with optimal academic performance. The
source of symptoms might be related to your course work; if so, please speak with me. However,
problems with relationships, family worries, loss, or a personal struggle or crisis can also
contribute to decreased academic performance. Ithaca College provides cost-free mental health
services through the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to help you manage
personal challenges that threaten your personal or academic well-being. In the event I suspect you
need additional support, expect that I will express to you my concerns and the reasons for them. It
is not my intent to know the details of what might be troubling you, but simply to let you know I
am concerned and that help (e.g., CAPS, Health Center, Chaplains, etc.), if needed, is available.
Remember, getting help is a smart and healthy thing to do -- for yourself and for your loved ones.
CAPS is located on the lower level of the Hammond Health Center and is accessible through the
parking lot side of the building, stairs off the waiting room of the Health Center or by elevator (ask
for elevator access in Health Center Business Office, located on the west side of the waiting
room). CAPS can be reached by calling 607-274-3136.
Academic Integrity:
Appendix II of the Ithaca College Student Handbook outlines the College policies regarding
standards of academic conduct. Academic dishonesty is very serious and any evidence of
academic misconduct will result in a significant grade penalty and may be referred to the College
judicial system. This includes any form of cheating or plagiarism.
Disruption Policy:
Disruptions of the classroom and/or teaching environment are unacceptable. Please turn off all
cell phones, pagers, palm pilots, etc. in order to avoid unnecessary disruptions. Talking, using
headphones, reading non-class materials, and text messaging during class are unacceptable.
Students who disrupt class may be asked to leave the room for the remainder of the class period
and will not be allowed to make up any work missed. Disrespectful behavior of any kind will not
be tolerated.
Introduction to Aging Studies
Tentative Class Schedule
Spring 2013
*** Assigned readings should be completed by the date on the schedule. ***
Date
Topic
Readings
1/22
Introduction
1/24
Aging in Our Culture &
Stereotypes About
Aging
Assignments Due
Syllabus
Novak Chapter 1
Facing Ageism handout (Sakai)
Studying Gerontology
1/29
Population Trends &
Demographics
1/31
Aging Theories &
Research
Novak Chapter 3
A Connecticut Town Adjusts to a
Graying Population article(Sakai)
Novak Chapter 2
Kleiner pp. 1-101
Sources of Diversity
2/5
Race & Ethnicity
Novak Chapter 6
2/7
Gender
Kleiner pp. 105-233
2/11
Extra Credit Opportunity: Ithaca College Gerontology Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series
2/12
Sexual Orientation
Aging & Gay article (Sakai)
2/14
Diversity & Aging
presentations
Kleiner pp. 235-end
2/19
Discussion of Where River Turns to Sky
2/21
Exam 1
Physical & Psychological Aspects of Aging
2/26
Physical Aging
Physical Aging
presentations
2/28
3/5
3/7
Sensory Changes &
Aging Simulation
Activity
Psychological Aging &
Cognition
Older Driver
presentations
Novak Chapter 4
Biology of Human Aging Learning
Module, Ch. 4 (link on Sakai)
Dr. Bergman is out of
town at a conference
Novak Chapter 5
Novak Chapter 10,
pp. 316-321 only
Reflection on
Where River Turns to Sky due
3/12
No Class – Spring Break!
3/14
3/19
Alzheimer’s Disease
Snyder Part I
Alzheimer’s Association Interactive
Brain Tour (link posted on Sakai)
3/21
Health Care &
Medicare
Snyder Part II
3/26
Long Term Care &
Medicaid
3/28
Housing & Housing
presentations
4/2
Novak Chapter 7
Social Bullying in Long Term Care
blog (link posted to Sakai)
Novak Chapter 10
pp. 292-316
Speaking Our Minds
Assignment due
Exam 2
4/4
Family Caregiving
Novak Chapter 13
Taking Care: Helping Loved Ones
as They Age
(audio link posted on Sakai)
4/9
Careers in Aging
Career Services
Economic Aspects of Aging
4/11
Work & Productive
Aging
Novak Chapter 9
4/16
Retirement
Novak Chapter 11
4/18
Social Security &
Pensions
Novak Chapter 8
Social Aspects of Aging
4/23
4/25
For Better or For
Worse
Social Relationships &
Family Life
4/30
Creativity in Aging
5/2
Young At Heart
Review for Exam 3
Novak Chapter 12
Aging Without Children article
(Sakai)
Think & Be Heard: Creativity,
Aging, & Community Engagement
article (Sakai)
Exam 3 (Final Exam Week)
Interview with An Older Adult
Paper due