Sociology (SOCI) 329
Aging and You (I): An Introduction to Gerontology

This version of SOCI 329 closed Dec. 4/02. To current version.

Delivery mode: Individualized study with audio component.
Credits: 3 - Social Science
Prerequisite: None
Centre: Centre for Global and Social Analysis
Challenge for Credit: SOCI 329 has a Challenge for Credit option.

>> Overview | Objectives | Outline | Evaluation | Course Materials | Course Fees
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Overview

This innovative course presents aging as a normal developmental process and aims to maximize life potential at every age. Students learn by listening to leading Canadian and internationally recognized gerontologists discuss their research and experiences. Biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging are explored along with the pros and cons of Canadian social policies and programs.

Objectives

Upon completion of SOCI 329, students should be able to outline the "whole person model of aging" and indicate its significance to the study of gerontology in Canadian society and in other societies; present and explain biological, sociological, and psychological characteristics of older persons; describe the developmental aspects of aging; show the significance of certain variations in aging based on different lifestyles and life opportunities; and be familiar with some of the best studies in Canadian gerontology.

Outline

  • Program 1 Aging: A Multi-disciplinary Approach
  • Program 2 Biology of Aging: Theories, Physical Exams, and Changes
  • Program 3 Fitness and Health I: Vision, Hearing, Mobility, and Arthritis
  • Program 4 Fitness and Health II: Nutrition, Appearance, and Sexuality
  • Program 5 Psychology of Aging: Personality, Response/Motivation, Theories/Coping
  • Program 6 Dementia: Alzheimer's and Related Diseases; Strategies for Prevention
  • Program 7 Social Psychology of Aging: Social Interaction, Human Touch, Body Language, Verbal Communication, Communication Problems, and Mutual Assistance
  • Program 8 Social Analysis of Aging I: The Family
  • Program 9 Social Analysis of Aging II: Gender; Retirement Part I--Styles and Life-Styles; Widowhood
  • Program 10 Social Analysis of Aging III: Retirement Part II--Planning, Work, and Leisure
  • Program 11 Social Analysis of Aging IV: Rural versus Urban, Ethnicity, Class
  • Program 12 A Statistical Interlude: Population Aging Issues, Statistics, and Research

Evaluation

To receive credit for SOCI 329, students must achieve a course composite grade of at least "C-" (60 percent) and a grade of at least 60 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

Pre-assignment Interview Short Essay Long Essay Final Exam Total
0% 10% 20% 25% 45% 100%

Course Materials

Textbooks

Baker, Maureen. 1988. Aging in Canadian Society: A Survey. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.

Novak, Mark. 1993. Aging and Society, 2d ed. Scarborough: Nelson Canada.

Novak, Mark. 1995. Aging and Society: A Reader. Scarborough: Nelson Canada.

Hiatt, Lorraine, ed. 1986. "Low Technology for Maximizing Independence." Special Issue, Generations 2, no. 1. San Francisco: American Society on Aging.

Other Material

The course materials include a course workbook, a student manual, and a set of twelve, one-hour programs on audiotape that correspond with the course workbook.

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice.
Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.

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This page was updated by G. Zahara