GEY 3001, Fall 2014
Syllabus, Course Schedule and Assignments
University of Central Florida
School of Social Work
GEY3001.OW61-Gerontology- An Interdisciplinary Perspective
To access the course login at: https://my.ucf.edu
Instructor: Denise Gammonley, PhD, LCSW
Term: Fall, 2014
Office Phone: 407-823-2215
Office Hours: By appointment
Office: HPA I Room 248
Email: Use the Webcourses mail system to contact Dr. Gammonley Credit Hours: 3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Study of aging from an interdisciplinary perspective bridging social and behavioral sciences, nursing,
social work, allied health, and natural sciences.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the conclusion of the semester students will be able to:
1.
Define the scope of the field of gerontology as an interdisciplinary endeavor encompassing
research, service, and public policy.
2.
Understand the biological, psychological, and social factors associated with the process of human
aging.
3.
Display heightened self-awareness of their own aging process, including the ability to envision a
personal future as an older adult and appreciation of intergenerational relationships.
4.
Analyze the implications of the demographic imperative of a global aging society for long-term
care and family caregivers while considering diverse cross-cultural values about aging.
5.
Identify key political and economic issues associated with an aging society that affect older
workers, the health care, and social service systems.
6.
Discuss ongoing ethical controversies brought on by an aging population including end-of-life
care decisions, and the distribution of economic, social, and health resources.
7.
Articulate and defend positions on key controversies related to economic, social, and health
aspects of aging through discussion forums and reaction papers.
As of Fall 2014, all faculty members are required to document students' academic activity at the
beginning of each course. In order to document that you began this course, please complete the
following academic activity by the end of the first week of classes, or as soon as possible after
adding the course, but no later than August 27. Failure to do so will result in a delay in the
disbursement of your financial aid.
1
GEY 3001, Fall 2014
Syllabus, Course Schedule and Assignments
Required Assignment: Aging IQ Quiz---due August 25, 2014 11:59pm.
LEARNING METHODS
A variety of web based instructional methods including tutorials, discussion forums, reaction papers,
quizzes, interactive video and websites are employed in this course.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Moody, H.R. & Sasser, J. R. (2015). Aging: Concepts & controversies (8th Ed.), Thousand Oaks, CA:
Pine Forge Press.
Available for purchase online at the UCF Bookstore http://ucf.bncollege.com
LIBRARY RESOURCES
Students will be expected to utilize UCF library resources to search library databases for
required readings. The following web sites can help students find information, navigate through
databases and learn how to use the library:
1. Library Instruction sessions - http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Instruction
2. Library Research Tutorials - http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Instruction/LIToursTutorials.asp
3. Streaming videos - http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Videos/Default.asp
4. Research Guides - http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Guides/
5. Ask a Librarian service - http://library.ucf.edu/Ask/
6. Consult with the librarian familiar with Social Work—Mr. Hal Mendolsohn
The UCF Libraries has a full array of paper and electronic resources available for students and
their research needs.
In addition to paper copies of books and journals, UCF students have the ability to access a vast
selection of journals and books in electronic format while on or off campus. The web address to
the library's catalog is http://library.ucf.edu/. The Ask A Librarian service provides students the
ability to contact a library professional either by phone, on-line chat or email, and ask for
assistance on "how to" locate, research, and obtain library materials. The web address for Ask A
Librarian is http://library.ucf.edu/Ask/. A series of streaming videos, showing students how to
search for a book or journal article, has been developed and are available at
http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Videos/Default.asp. Research Guides for different majors, that
list books, journals, databases, and web sites have been developed and are available in electronic
format at http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Guides/. Another service to help students conduct
library research is called Research Consultation. After a student has conducted his/her research
and is in need of additional information, s/he can work with a librarian to locate material with the
help of his/her expert searching capabilities. To set-up a Research Consultation, students can
either come into the library and sign-up at the Reference Desk or call the library Reference
Office at 407-823-5880. Finally, students are always encouraged to visit the library and ask a
Reference Librarian how best to conduct one's research. If a student has a simple question on
how to locate either a book or journal title, the UCF Reference Libraries are happy to provide
this type of service too.
2
GEY 3001, Fall 2014
Syllabus, Course Schedule and Assignments
ASSIGNMENTS AND POINTS
Assignments and Points are listed at the end of this document in the Course Schedule
GRADING SCALE
95 – 100
90 – 94
87 – 89
84 – 86
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
C-
80 - 83
77 - 79
74 - 76
70 - 73
D+
D
DF
Final Grade Calculation
Total # of Points
A
146-154
A-
139-145
B+
134-138
B
130-133
B-
124-129
C+
119-123
C
114-118
C-
108-113
D+
103-107
D
99-102
D-
93-98
F
92 or less
67 - 69
64 - 66
60 - 63
59 or less
POLICIES
In addition to the information below, the student should become familiar with School of Work Student
Handbook and The Golden Rule Handbook for UCF Students. All policies included in these handbooks
apply to this class.
Discussion Forum Decorum

The instructor expects students to respect the culture, values, beliefs and rights of their
classmates. During class discussion forum sessions, alternate points of view are encouraged and
should be received by others with respect. Students should feel free to express their opinions and
to refer to relevant personal situations without fear of disapproval or disrespect; however, the
classroom is not the place where students should indulge in personal venting or support seeking.
3
GEY 3001, Fall 2014
Syllabus, Course Schedule and Assignments
Attendance and Participation
Student attendance and participation are integral parts of this course. Online learning is not for everyone;
some people may not be able to manage a course that does not meet face to face to learn. Online learning
requires lots of planning and self-pacing so that you may be successful in my course. Since I will be
covering much material in 16 weeks, I would highly recommend treating this course like a regular lecture
course, and keeping up with modules and assignments. Please do not be tempted to skip two weeks of
modules and expect to catch up easily.
Students are expected to actively participate each week of the course. Students are also expected to
assume responsibility for their own learning and to actively involve themselves in discussion forums and
exercises. Students must be prepared for the weekly learning modules (i.e., complete readings and other
assignments prior to attempting the course assignments, discussion forums, quizzes, etc). Furthermore,
make-up exams or extensions of due dates will be given ONLY in extreme circumstances. These
circumstances include exceptional health EMERGENCIES (that require that the student bring in medical
documentation). Out-of-town vacations, trips, mild colds, and other similar circumstances do not qualify
as extreme.
1. Completion of Assignments: All examinations and case assignments must be completed in
order to pass the course. Students may NOT elect to skip any of the exams or assignments and
accept a lower grade.
2. Policy on Incompletes, Late Assignments, Extra Credit, Faxes & Emails:
All written assignments must be uploaded to the course website Assignments tab, with a second
copy uploaded to Turnitin.com, no later than the time and the date indicated on Webcourses. In
case of a documented, dire, life threatening emergency, a late assessment or assignment may be
accepted at the discretion of the instructor. For all late assignments and assessments, regardless
of the reason, the grade will be reduced 10 percent per day, including weekends. Therefore, a
paper that would merit a grade of 100 on Tuesday will receive on a grade of 70 if it is submitted
on Friday without prior arrangements with the instructor. To obtain permission to submit an
assignment or assessment after the deadline, the student must seek approval from the instructor
before the the day that the product is due. No assignment will be accepted after the last day of class.
Written Assignments
Effective written communication skills are essential. Thus, students are expected to present their ideas
clearly and properly and to adhere to accepted standards of writing. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling
are to be correct in all written materials submitted and will be considered in grading written assignments.
All written assignments must be typed in a 12-font print, and all margins must be one inch. The cover
page of a paper is not considered to be a page of text. Work not conforming to these standards or
demonstrating serious deficiencies in common English usage will be returned ungraded. When required,
references should be included in the American Psychological Association (APA) 6th edition
documentation style. Students are encouraged to use the University Writing Center (UWC) for assistance
in preparing written assignments. The UWC is located in MOD 608 (near the Communications Building).
UWC staff may be reached at (407) 823-2197 or http://www.uwc.ucf.edu/.
The assignments will emphasize the integration of interviewing, verbal, conceptualization and
writing skills in practice. All assignments will be evaluated and graded on the following criteria.
4
GEY 3001, Fall 2014
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Syllabus, Course Schedule and Assignments
Appropriate use of APA writing style.
Adequate number of references cited.
Organization and clarity of ideas presented.
Ability to integrate theory and practice appropriately.
Ability to use analytical skills throughout the assignment.
Creative ways of responding to the instructions beyond the requirements.
Required Document Format of Submitted Papers/Assignments
I cannot read .rtf or MicroSoft Works files. If you have Works you can obtain instructions on how
to convert your file to Word here:
Convert Works documents to Word format - Word - Microsoft Office Online
You must submit papers as .doc, .docx, .pdf or PowerPoint files (for one assignment) only.
Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism and Cheating of any kind on an examination, quiz, or assignment will result at least in
an "F" for that assignment (and may, depending on the severity of the case, lead to an "F" for the
entire course) and may be subject to appropriate referral to the Office of Student Conduct for
further action. See the UCF Golden Rule for further information. I will assume for this course
that you will adhere to the academic creed of this University and will maintain the highest
standards of academic integrity. In other words, don't cheat by giving answers to others or taking
them from anyone else. I will also adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity, so
please do not ask me to change (or expect me to change) your grade illegitimately or to bend or
break rules for one person that will not apply to everyone. Each student will be required to
complete an online tutorial and assessment “Avoiding Plagiarism Using APA Style” as part of
the course requirements.
UCF faculty members have a responsibility for your education and the value of a UCF degree,
and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and when necessary respond to infringements of
academic integrity. Penalties can include a failing grade in an assignment or in the course,
suspension or expulsion from the university, and/or a "Z Designation" on a student's official
transcript indicating academic dishonesty, where the final grade for this course will be preceded
by the letter Z. For more information about the Z Designation, see http://z.ucf.edu/.
For more information about UCF's Rules of Conduct, see http://www.osc.sdes.ucf.edu/.
THE UCF CREED
Integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence are the core values that guide our conduct,
performance, and decisions.
Integrity:
Scholarship:
Community:
I will practice and defend academic and personal honesty.
I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of my membership in the
UCF community.
I will promote an open and supportive campus environment by respecting the rights and
contributions of every individual.
5
GEY 3001, Fall 2014
Creativity:
Excellence:
Syllabus, Course Schedule and Assignments
I will use my talents to enrich the human experience.
I will strive toward the highest standards of performance in any endeavor I undertake.
Turnitin.com
In this course we will utilize turnitin.com, an automated system which instructors can use to
quickly and easily compare each student's assignment with billions of web sites, as well as an
enormous database of student papers that grows with each submission. After the assignment is
processed, as an instructor I receive a report from turnitin.com that states if and how another
author’s work was used in the assignment. Turnitin.com provides some useful resources explaining
its procedures and tips to avoid plagiarism at
http://www.turnitin.com/research_site/e_home.html
Incomplete Grades
In exceptional circumstances, an incomplete grade may be given per School and University policies.
Individual arrangements must be made with the instructor for the completion of the course requirements,
but in no case will the date set extend beyond the end of the following semester. Students who experience
chronic medical or personal problems that prevent them from attending class regularly are encouraged to
review policies relating to securing a leave of absence from their university studies.
Disability Access Statement
The University of Central Florida is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all
persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Students
with disabilities who need accommodations in this course must contact the instructor at the
beginning of the semester to discuss needed accommodations. No accommodations will be
provided until the student has met with the professor to request accommodations. Students who
need accommodations must be registered with Student Disability Services, Ferrell Commons
room 185, phone (407) 823-2371, TTY/TDD only phone (407) 823-2116, before requesting
accommodations from the professor.
Copyright
This course may contain copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text
materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to
enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these
items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and
your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.
6
GEY 3001, Fall 2014
Module
Module 1
Topic and
Assignment(s)
Syllabus, Course Schedule and Assignments
Assigned Reading from Textbook
or Webcourses Tutorial
Assignment
Due Date
Point Value(s)
“What’s Your
Web reading
2 points for completing Monday,
Aging IQ?” Quiz
quiz
August 25,
http://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/fil
2014
es/AgingIQ_web.pdf
11:59pm
Avoiding Plagiarism Module
Citing Sources Using APA Style
Module
Monday,
3 points for completing
Sept. 1,
both
2014
Moody, H.R. (2014). Aging:
Concepts and Controversies.
Module 1
(continued)
Monday,
September
1, 2014
Prologue, (America as an Aging
Society), p xxiii-xxxi and pp. 301-324
(Basic Concepts II: Social and
Economic Outlook for an Aging
Society).
Discussion
Forum: When I
am 80
Module 1
Textbook
Reading Quiz
Module 2
Global Aging
Quiz
11:59pm
5 points
5 points
Learning Module Pages Readings on 8 points
Webcourses
Monday,
Sept. 8,
2014
11:59pm
Module 3
Module 3
Textbook
Reading Quiz
Retirement
Community
Brochure
Moody, H.R. (2014). Basic Concepts I.
5 points
Aging concepts & controversies. pp. 1-26
and Controversy 11--Aging Boomers:
Boom or Bust? p. 455-464 and
Controversy 12 “The New Aging
Marketplace” p. 477-492.
Monday,
Sept. 15,
2014
11:59pm
10 points
7
GEY 3001, Fall 2014
Module
Module 4
Topic and
Assignment
Biology of
Aging
Textbook
Reading Quiz
Module 5
Module 5
Textbook
Reading Quiz
Syllabus, Course Schedule and Assignments
Assigned Reading from
Textbook
Time Line
Questions
Quiz on
Reading
Module 7
Discussion
Forum: Family
Caregiving
Letter to the
Editor
Point Value(s)
Monday, Sept., 22,
2014
Aging: Concepts and
5 points
Controversies, 8th edition.
Moody, H.R.
Pine Forge/Sage, 2014. pp.
22-27; Controversy 3-Do
Intelligence and Creativity
Decline with Age; 97-132.
Monday, Sept., 29
2014
11:59pm
Text Reading: Aging:
Concepts and
Controversies, 8th edition.
Moody, H.R., Pine Forge
Press, 2014. pp. 1-7; Basic
5 points
Concepts: Social &
Economic Outlook 301-314.
Monday, October 6,
2014
Moody, H.R. (2014). 8th
5 points
Ed. Aging: Concepts &
Controversies. Controversy
5: Should Families Provide
for Their Own? pp. 201238
Monday, October 13,
2014
11:59pm
11:59pm
5 points
Moody, H.R. (2014). Aging:
Concepts and
5 points
Controversies, 8th Ed. Basic
Concepts III pp. 301-334
Quiz on
Reading
11:59pm
5 points
Quiz on
Reading
Module 8
Due Date
Aging: Concepts and
15 points
Controversies, 8th edition.
Moody, H.R. Pine
Forge/Sage, 2014. PP. 1721. Controversy 2 Why Do
Our Bodies Grow Old, pp.
55-96.
Creativity and
Aging Exercise
Module 6
Assignment
Monday, October 20,
2014
11:59pm
Controversy 8: “Should
Age or Need Be the Basis
of Entitlement?” pp. 335- 10 points
373
Reading 36, pp. 356-365
Reading 37, pp. 366-369
Controversy 9 –“What is
the future of Social
Security?” pp. 375-414
8
GEY 3001, Fall 2014
Module
Module 9
Topic and
Assignment
Assigned Reading from
Textbook
Discussion
Forum: Older
Workers
Moody, H.R. (2014). Aging: 5 points
Concepts and
Controversies, 8th Ed.
Quiz on
Reading
Module 10
Reflection
Paper: Does
Old Age Have
Meaning?
Quiz on
Reading
Module 11
Module 12
Syllabus, Course Schedule and Assignments
Discussion
Forum: Health
Reform and
Health
Rationing
Alzheimer’s
Disease Quiz
Controversy 10 from your
textbook "Is Retirement
Obsolete?" (pp. 415-454)
Assignment
Point Value(s)
Basic Concepts II:
Aging, Health Care,
and Society (pp.
133-166)

Controversy 4:
Should We Ration
Health Care for
Older People (pp.
167-197).
11:59pm
Monday, November 3,
2014
11:59pm
5 points
Moody, H.R. (2014). Aging:
Concepts and
5 points
Controversies, 8th Ed.

Monday, October 27,
2014
5 points
Moody, H.R. (2014). Aging:
Concepts and
5 points
Controversies, 8th Ed.
Controversy 1 from your
textbook "Does old age
have meaning? (pp. 29-52)
Due Date
Moody, H.R. (2014). Aging:
Concepts and
10 points
Controversies, 8th Ed. p.
138-144; 235-238
Monday, November
10, 2014
11:59pm
Monday, November
17, 2014
11:59pm
Also—extensive web
tutorial readings found on
Module 12
Module 13
Social Service
Worksheets
Moody, H.R. (2014). Aging: 8 points
Concepts and
Controversies, 8th Ed. pp.
301-334 (No Reading Quiz
this week)
Monday, November
17, 2014
11:59pm
9
GEY 3001, Fall 2014
Module
Module 14
Topic and
Assignment
Assigned Reading from
Textbook
Discussion
Forum: Should
Older People
Be Protected
from Bad
Choices?
Moody, H.R. (2014). Aging: 5 points
Concepts and
Controversies, 8th Ed.
Controversy 6: Should
Older People Be Protected
from Bad Choices? pp.239267.
Reading Quiz
Module 15
Syllabus, Course Schedule and Assignments
Also—extensive web
readings on Module 14
Assignment
Due Date
Point Value(s)
Monday, November
24, 2014
11:59pm
5 Points
Discussion
Moody, H.R. (2014). Aging: 5 points
Forum: Talking Concepts and
about dying
Controversies, 8th Ed.
Controversy 7: Should
People Have the Choice to
End Their Lives? Pp. 269Quiz
300.
3 points
Monday, December 1,
2014
11:59pm
10