Chabot College
Fall 2002
Replaced Fall 2010
Course Outline for Sociology 30
SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY
Catalog Description:
30 – Social Gerontology
3 units
Introduction to the study of aging, the social world, and social networks of
European-American, African-American, Hispanic-American and Asian-American
elders. Focus on heterogeneity within specific groups of minority elders, as well as
differences in the aging experience for members of these designated subcultures.
Emphasis on sociological theory as it applies to the independent elder. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
identify and describe the major sociological theories of aging;
identify the impact of social networks upon independence and the quality of
life in old age;
describe physiological changes which occur from middle adulthood to old
age;
explain ethnic and cultural variations in roles of the elderly within various
subcultures;
describe the impact of historical inequities upon contemporary minority life
experiences as it relates to the quality of life for minority elders;
describe the dominant coping strategies employed by minority elders to cope
with these inequities;
describe the common needs and adaptations that occur along with social and
physical changes that accompany aging;
describe the interdisciplinary perspective on aging;
explain ageism as it has evolved historically in the U.S.;
demonstrate increased understanding of disengagement and activity theory
as it occurs across the life cycle;
explain the importance of heterogeneity within and between social groups,
as it occurs across the life cycle.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Sociology 30
Fall 2002
Page 2
Course Content:
1.
Aging in America
a.
Images of aging in the U.S.
1)
Cultural emphasis on youth
2)
Cultural stereotypes of aging and their effects
b.
2.
3.
Demographic data
1)
Population trends
2)
Social and economic characteristics
Theories of aging
a.
Sociological
1)
Social integration of the elderly
2)
Socialization to old age
3)
Exchange theory
4)
Labeling theory
5)
Disengagement theory
6)
Activity theory
Minority and majority elder populations
a.
Retirement
1)
Changes in income and activity
2)
Isolation
b.
Common needs and adjustments of the independent older adult
1)
Health care and physical fitness
2)
Nutrition
3)
Housing – age segregated and age integrated
4)
Intellectual stimulation
5)
Interpersonal involvement
c.
Societal response to needs of elderly
1)
Legislation and federal programs
2)
Community resources
d.
The aging subcultures of African Americans, Hispanic Americans,
and Asian Americans.
1)
Demographics and aging trends
2)
Definitions and roles of the elderly
3)
Social networks
4)
Family role change
5)
Disparities in health and longevity
6)
Historical inequities and their impact upon the quality of life
and coping mechanisms in old age
Chabot College
Course Outline for Sociology 30
Fall 2002
Page 3
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lecture
Guided discussion
Small group activities
Audio-visuals
Field trips
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Interview children on attitudes towards the elderly
b.
Written assignment on what is a cohort and how the concept is used
in gerontology
c.
Group assignment to write a children’s picture book that presents
positive images of aging
d.
Interview an elder on Erikson’s last stage of development integrity vs
despair
e.
Case study of minority elder
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Grades A-F based upon the quality of student work as demonstrated
in quizzes, midterm, final, individual and group assignments
b.
Clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness in presenting concepts discussed
in class
c.
Critical thinking in sociological analysis the role, status, value, etc.
of the elderly in the majority elderly population as well as minority
elderly populations
d.
Ability to problem solve
Special Student Materials:
None.
Textbook(s)(Typical):
Social Gerontology, Hooyman N. & Kiyah (1996), 4th ed.. Boston, Mass.
Allyn & Bacon, 2001, or latest edition.
Worlds of Difference-Inequality in the Aging Experience, Stroller, E.P. & Gibson,
R.C. (1994), Thousand Oaks, CA. Pine Forge Press, 2001, or latest edition.
Tf:A:/WORD.SOC.30.DOC
Revised-2-5-2002