Dec 08, 2024  
BC3 Academic Catalog: 2023-2024 
    
BC3 Academic Catalog: 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

SOCW 107 - Introduction to Aging

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course provides students with an overview and better understanding of the aging process from a multidisciplinary perspective by studying theories of aging, stereotypes about aging and older adults, changes in physical health, cognition, and communal relationships. Students will examine changes in familial and social roles in the elderly and identify political and social influences on these changes.

Text
Quadagno, Jill. Aging and the Life Course: an Introduction to Social Gerontology. 7th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2018.

Objectives
The student will be able to

A. Describe interdisciplinary approaches to aging.

B. Identify patterns of aging among different racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic groups.

C. Research the current demography of the aged and aging segments of the population.

D. Apply theories of aging to different societies.

E. Compare variables related to placement of the aged in different societies.

F. Describe issues related to governmental programs for the aged.

G. Analyze developmental tasks unique to the aged.

H. Identify social work careers related to Gerontology.

Content
A. Introduction to the interdisciplinary study of aging

B. Social and cultural gerontology

C. Demographic factors

D. Theories, models and concepts

E. Cultural attitudes and behaviors

F. Policy and problems related to the aged and ageism

G. Minority and aging experience

H. Social work careers with the aged

Student Evaluation
Student evaluation will be based on exams, written projects, group presentations, and class participation.

Bibliography
Anthony, Mitch. The New Retirementality: Planning Your Life and Living Your Dreams at Any Age You Want. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2008. Print.

Dychtwald, Ken. Age Power: How the 21st Century Will Be Ruled by the New Old. New York: Penguin Group, 1999. Print.

Koff, Theodore H., and Richard W. Park. Aging Public Policy: Bonding the Generations. Amityville, NY: Baywood Pub., 1999. Print.

Rowe, John W., and Robert L. Kahn. Successful Aging. New York: Dell, 1998. Print.