University of Alberta
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts
SOCIOLOGY OF AGING
SOCIOLOGY 375: A1
Fall Term 2013
Class Time:
Class Location:
Instructor:
Office Hours:
Office:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Tuesday – Thursday Sept. 5 – Dec. 3, 2:00 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.
No class on Nov. 12
CAB 265
Laurel Strain, PhD, Professor, Dept. of Sociology
Thursday 12:00 – 1:00 or by appointment
4-26 HM Tory Building
780-492-2214
laurel.strain@ualberta.ca
Course Description:
Aging as a social and cultural phenomenon. Includes aging in relation to the self-concept, family, religion,
politics, health, retirement and leisure, housing, attitudes toward death, with particular emphasis on Canadian
society.
The objectives are:
• To provide an in-depth examination of the experience of aging from a sociological perspective.
• To critically review existing empirical research and policy concerning these topic areas, with emphasis
on the Canadian experience.
This course focuses on older adults and provides only a limited treatment of aging as it relates to young
adulthood and middle age.
Required Textbook:
Novak, Mark W. & Campbell, Lori D. (2010). Aging and Society: A Canadian Perspective, 6th Edition. Toronto:
Nelson Education Ltd.
In addition, you are responsible for other assigned readings (see tentative timetable). It is expected that all
readings will be completed in advance of the scheduled classes to which they apply.
E-class:
Course information (including a copy of the course syllabus, readings, assignments, and grades) is available on
e-class. See https://eclass.srv.ualberta.ca
Course Requirements:
Students have two options for course requirements. Option 1 involves 3 tests and 10 in-class reflections.
Option 2 involves the 3 tests, 10 in-class reflections, and a term paper. The weights are as follows:
Test # 1 Test #2 Test #3 Reflections
Option 1
(Tests and in-class-reflections)
Option 2
(Tests, in-class reflections, and paper)
Paper
Total %
31%
32%
32%
5%
NA
100%
23%
23%
24%
5%
25%
100%
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SOC375: Sociology of Aging - Fall Term 2013
1. Tests
• Test #1 will be held in class on October 3.
• Test #2 will be held in class on November 5.
• Test #3 (Final Exam) will be held during the final examination period (tentatively Tuesday December 10
at 2 PM). Students are responsible for verifying the date on Bear Tracks.
The in-class and final tests may be composed of multiple choice, short answer, and/or essay questions.
You are responsible for all materials covered in lectures, assigned readings, guest lectures, and
films/videos. Not all assigned readings will be discussed in class and not all lecture material is covered
in the readings. Tests are NOT cumulative. In other words, Test#1 will cover all material from the
beginning of class up to the test and Test #2 will cover material from after Test#1 up to this test. The
final test will cover material from after Test#2 up to the end of term. Sample test questions will be
posted on e-class; previous tests/exams are not available.
2. In-class Reflections
The reflections will be based on a written response to a question posed in class by the instructor 10
times during the term, beginning the week of September 23rd. For each reflection, you will receive full
marks (.5) if you hand in a thoughtful, relevant answer in class. If you are not present, you will receive
0 for that reflection.
3. Optional Term Paper: Topic – November 7, Outline – November 14, Written Paper – November 28
You may write an optional term paper on a topic relevant to the sociology of aging (maximum 10 pages
in length not including a title page and list of references). In your paper, you will explain, illustrate and
discuss your chosen topic sociologically. You may select any relevant topic that is of interest to you.
You must draw on credible academic sources beyond the textbook to support your argument.
Detailed information will be provided in a separate handout on e-class. There are 3 steps that must be
completed for this term paper, including topic approval, an outline and the written paper.
Topic Approval: You must submit your topic for approval via e-mail to me no later than 4:30 pm on
November 7. The intent is to ensure that you have a ‘do-able’ term paper. No grades are assigned to
this component.
Outline: The outline is an important step in the process of preparing a term paper (see handout on
e-class for details and specific requirements). The outline will be a maximum of 2 pages in length. An
electronic version and a hard copy must be handed by the beginning of class on November 14. The
outline is worth 2% of your final grade. If you clearly state your question, illustrate that you have
planned your paper and begun a search of relevant literature, and correctly reference your sources,
you will be given a score of 2. Failure to hand in an outline by the deadline will result in a 0 on the
outline component. APA style must be used for references (http://guides.library.ualberta.ca/apa).
Written Paper: The written paper will represent a major synthesis and critique of existing research
literature relevant to the topic (see handout for details and specific requirements). The paper will be a
maximum of 10 pages in length and APA style must be used (http://guides.library.ualberta.ca/apa). An
electronic version and a hard copy of your paper must be submitted before the beginning of class on
November 28. Failure to hand in a paper on time will result in a grade of 0 for the paper. The written
paper is worth 23% of your final grade. Content, organization, grammar, and referencing will be taken
into account in grading.
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SOC375: Sociology of Aging - Fall Term 2013
Missed Classes:
It is in your best interest to attend classes regularly. If you choose not to attend, you must assume whatever
risks are involved. It is your responsibility to get notes from a classmate. With the exception of any handouts
posted on e-class, I do NOT provide students with my lecture material.
Absence from Assignments/Tests/Final Examination (extracted from the U of A Calendar section 23.3;
verbatim extraction indicated in italics):
The University recognizes that occasionally life events occur that require a student to miss term work, term
examinations, or final examinations. However, excused absences are not granted automatically and will be
considered only for acceptable reasons such as incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction, or religious
convictions. Unacceptable reasons include, but are not limited to personal events such as vacations, weddings,
or travel arrangements.
When a student is absent without acceptable excuse, a final grade will be computed using a raw score of zero
for the work missed. Any student who applies for or obtains an excused absence by making false statements
will be liable under the Code of Student Behaviour. Students should consult their Faculty for detailed
information and requirements.
Approval for an excused absence from term work (e.g., classes, labs, assignments, tests, term papers, reports,
etc.) or term exams is at the discretion of the instructor. To apply for an excused absence for a missed term
work/test, you must first notify me by e-mail within 2 working days of the missed work/test. Second, you must
provide me with supporting documentation pertaining to the absence within 2 working days following the
missed work/test or as soon as you are able, having regard to the circumstances underlying the absence. For
Medical Illnesses, you can present one of the following:
• “University of Alberta Medical Statement” signed by a doctor (this cannot be required, but must be
accepted if provided in lieu of other documents)
• "Medical Declaration Form for Students" (for Faculty of Arts students)
• "Statutory Declaration" (for students in Faculties other than Arts, to be obtained from their home
Faculty or the Office of the Registrar)
For other acceptable absences, such as domestic afflictions or religious convictions, you should submit
appropriate documentation. This could include the following:
• For a death in the family – a copy of the death certificate
• For a religious conflict – a letter from the church or pastor
• For a car accident – a copy of the accident report
• For all other reasons, consult with me for appropriate documents
All tests must be written as each test assesses your knowledge/understanding of a different component of the
curriculum. If you are granted an excused absence from a test, you will be required to write a make-up test as
decided by the instructor. If you do not complete the make-up as prescribed by the instructor, a raw score of 0
will be assigned for the missed test. The point value of a missed test cannot be shifted to the remaining tests.
If you are granted an excused absence from the term paper, your option is to complete a term paper by the
date decided by the instructor or have your course grade based on Option #1.
If you fail to write the FINAL EXAM, you must formally apply to your home Faculty office within two working
days following the missed final exam in order to be considered for a deferred final examination. You also need
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SOC375: Sociology of Aging - Fall Term 2013
to notify me. The decision to grant a deferred exam is not the instructor’s. Deferred examinations are intended
to accommodate students who have experienced an incapacitating illness or severe domestic affliction;
applications based on minor or inconsequential ailments will not be approved. As per the University
Calendar §23.3(2)c of the Calendar, “A deferred final examination will not be approved if a student (a) has not
been in regular attendance where attendance and/or participation are required, and/or, (b) excluding the final
exam, has completed less than half of the assigned work.” There is only one date for deferred final exams. Any
student who is granted a deferred examination will write the exam on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.
in Tory 1-91.
Grades for the Course:
Your grades on each component will be added and then converted to the four-point scale shown below.
Description
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Poor
Fail
Percentage
90 – 100
86 – 89
82 – 85
78 – 81
74 – 77
70 – 73
66 – 69
62 – 65
58 – 61
54 – 57
50 – 53
0 – 49
Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
Value
4.0
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.0
Academic Integrity:
“The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students
are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the
University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the
Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.governance.ualberta.ca) and avoid any behaviour which could
potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an
offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the
University.” (GFC 29 SEPT 2003)
Learning and Working Environment
The Faculty of Arts is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty and staff are able to work and study in an
environment that is safe and free from discrimination and harassment. It does not tolerate behaviour that
undermines that environment. The department urges anyone who feels that this policy is being violated to:
• Discuss the matter with the person whose behaviour is causing concern; or
• If that discussion is unsatisfactory, or there is concern that direct discussion is inappropriate or
threatening, discuss it with the Chair of the Department
For additional advice or assistance regarding this policy, contact the student ombudservice
(www.ombudservice.ualberta.ca). Information about the University of Alberta Discrimination and Harassment
Policy and Procedures can be found in the GFC Policy Manual, section 44 available at
http://gfcpolicymanual.ualberta.ca.
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SOC375: Sociology of Aging - Fall Term 2013
Plagiarism and Cheating
All students should consult “Truth-In-Education” handbook/website (http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/TIE/)
regarding the definitions of plagiarism and its consequences when detected. Of particular note,
• “No student shall represent another’s substantial editorial or compositional assistance on an
assignment as their own.”
• “No student shall submit in any course or program of study, without the written approval of the course
instructor, all or a substantial portion of any academic writing, essay, thesis, research report, project
assignment, presentation or poster for which credit has been obtained by the Student or which has
previously been or is being submitted by the Student in another course or program of study in the
University or elsewhere.”
For further information, see “Don’t Do It” sheet at http://tinyurl.com/cheating-plagiarism or “Don’t Cheat”
sheet at www.governance.ualberta.ca/StudentAppeals/DontCheatsheet.aspx.
Recording of Lectures
Audio or video recording of lectures, labs, seminars, or any other teaching environment by students is allowed
only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as part of an approved accommodation plan. Recorded
material is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose
without prior written consent from the instructor.
General Course Rules and Expectations:
• Electronic messaging devices are not to be used during lectures and tests.
• Please be courteous to your fellow students and avoid disruptive behaviour such as talking, arriving
late, and leaving early. I am committed to starting and ending the class on time.
• Feel free to come and see me or to e-mail me with questions you may have about the course. I will
normally respond within 24 hours to e-mails during the week; I do not check e-mails on the weekend.
Policy about course outlines can be found at § 23.4(2) of the University Calendar. (GFC 29 SEP 2003).
Last Day for Voluntary Withdrawal without academic penalty is November 27, 2013
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SOC375: Sociology of Aging - Fall Term 2013
TENTATIVE TIMETABLE
Sept. 5
Introduction and Overview of the Course
Readings: Novak & Campbell, Ch. 1
Sept. 10, 12
Ageism/Theories of Aging
Readings: Novak & Campbell, Ch. 2 and 7
Revera Report on Ageism: A Look at Gender Differences
http://www.ageismore.com/Revera/media/Revera/Content/Revera-Report_Gender-D
ifferences.pdf
Revera Report on Ageism
http://www.ageismore.com/About-Us/Media-Centre/Revera-Report-on-Ageism/docs/
Report_Ageism.aspx
Sept. 17, 19
Demographic Trends
Readings: Novak & Campbell, Ch. 3 and 4
Sept. 24, 26, Oct. 1
Health and Illness
Readings: Novak & Campbell, Ch. 5 and 6
Oct. 3
Test #1
Oct. 8, 10, 15, 17
Health Care in an Aging Society
Readings: Novak & Campbell, Ch. 8 and 14
Parke, B. & Chappell, N. (2010). Transactions between older people and the hospital
environment: A social ecological analysis. Journal of Aging Studies, 24, 115-124.
Oct. 22, 24, 29
Family Relations and Friendships in Later Life
Readings: Novak & Campbell, Ch. 13
Nov. 5
Test #2
Nov. 7
Nov. 14
Topic for Term Paper Due
Outline for Term Paper Due
Nov. 7, 14
Housing and Transportation
Readings: Novak & Campbell, Ch. 11
Menec, V.H., Means, R., Keating, N., Parkhurst, G., & Eales, J. (2011). Conceptualizing
age-friendly communities. Canadian Journal on Aging, 30(3): 479-493.
Nov. 12
No class
Nov. 19, 21
Income, Retirement, and Work
Readings: Novak & Campbell, Ch. 9 and 10
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SOC375: Sociology of Aging - Fall Term 2013
Nov. 26, 28
Recreation and Leisure in Later Life
Readings: Novak & Campbell, Ch. 12
Nov. 28
Term Paper due
Dec.3
Future Trends in an Aging Society
Dec. 10 (tentative)
Test #3 (Final Exam)
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