Gerontology
SOCI4321
Phoenix Campus
Dr. Gil Fornaciari
Winter 2012-2013
Required Text:
 Social Forces & Aging: An Introduction to Social Gerontology, by Robert C. Atchley & Amanda
S. Barusch, ed. 10th, Thomson, Wadsworth, US, 2004. ISBN: 978-0-534-53694-7
Instructor: Dr. Gil Fornaciari
Contact Information: 602-279-1011 Email: gilwalk@netzero.com
Course will be held at the Luke AFB location at meeting times listed below.
Reader:
 Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom, Broadway Books, NY, 1997.
 Rules for Aging, by Roger Rosenblatt, Harvest Book, Harcourt, Inc., NY, 2001.
Resources:
 50+ Igniting a Revolution to Reinvent America, by William D. Novelli, St. Martin’s Press,
2006.
 Generation Ageless, by J. Walker Smith & Ann Clurman, Harper Collins, 2007.
 Living with Grief After Sudden Loss, by Kenneth J. Doka, Hospice Foundation of America,
1996.
Course Outcome competencies:
 Define adult developmental life stages and the aging process
 Examine financial, social, educational, and other aspects in preparation for retirement
 Discover tools needed to be an effective caregiver for elderly parents, relatives, others.
 Discuss and describe how to build stronger social bonds with others as they relate to your
own aging/retirement
 Identify and prepare for full/part time positions or volunteer positions to work with early,
middle, or later care of elderly and aged retirees
 Discuss cultural values pertaining to care-giving
 Identify attributes of reverence for seniors according to their cultural groups
 Describe changes in the biological, psychological, and social functioning of the adult through
the aging process
 Analyze the various myths about aging
 Identify services available and service deficits to the aging population
 20% Written final exam – select a topic relating to gerontology using resources, real life
observations, online websites, and class online discussions – 3 pages typed
 10% Completion of book review – see book review example
 10% Written evaluation of Generation X, Boomer, & Senior age groups – 2 pages typed
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20% Written evaluation of self-directed tour of an institution serving the elderly – type of
facility, population group, living environment, activities, health care, cost of facility for
resident, any other pertinent information – 3 pages typed
40% Ongoing participation throughout the course
Attendance is expected for all on-site classes – 10% deducted from grade for each unexcused
absence. Prior notice must be given for absence with phone call or email.
Attendance: Students enrolled at one of the University’s external campuses should make every
effort to attend all class meetings. All absences must be explained to the instructor, who will then
determine whether the omitted work may be made up. When a student reaches that number of
absences considered by the instructor to be excessive, the instructor will so advise the student and
file an unsatisfactory progress report with the campus dean. Any student who misses 25 percent or
more of the regularly scheduled class meetings may receive a grade of “F” in the course. Additional
attendance policies for each course, as defined by the instructor in the course syllabus are
considered a part of the University’s attendance policy.
Service for the Disabled: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is
the policy of Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be
excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any
educational program or activity in the university. Documentation of a disability must accompany
any request for accommodations.
Method of Determining Course Grade:
 A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60, W=Withdrawal, WP=withdrawal
passing, WF=withdrawal failing, I=incomplete. An “incomplete” must be completed within
the next long (10-15 weeks) term. If the requirements are not completed by the appropriate
date, the “I” is converted to an “F”.
Instructor’s policy on Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism in any form will result in an automatic
failure.
Tentative Schedule: Friday/Saturday – December 7th & 8th, January 4th & 5th, and February 8th &
9th [Fridays 5:30 P.M – 9:30 P.M. and Saturdays beginning 9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Additional Comments: Outline for the class will be given on Friday, December 7th.