=============================================================== THE UNIVERSISTY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Course Number: SW Instructor: Kathleen L. Boas, MSW, ACSW+/. Unique Number: E-Mail: [email protected] Semester: Spring 2003 Phone: (512) 451-5064 Meeting Time: Thursday Office Room: 3-122A Meeting Place: Office Hours: Thursdays 4:30 to 5:30 By Appointment =============================================================== INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY I. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course provides a broad overview of the biological, psychological and social changes in older persons and their environments as a result of the natural decrements of aging, with emphasis on the needs of diverse vulnerable populations. In addressing the social environment it relates demographics and public perceptions of aging to the development of policy and the growth of industries in the areas of health, housing, retirement, personal finance and personal care. II. COURSE OBJECTIVES As a result of participation in this course, students will be expected to have a working understanding of: 1. The history of human aging, current demographics and the relationship of public perceptions of aging with policy formulation and funding for services 2. The process and consequences of the deterioration of physical, mental and psychological attributes in the aging person, including chronic physical and mental illnesses and their effect upon the aging person, family and community. 3. Services to assist the vulnerable elderly to continue to live in their communities as long as possible, and to receive humane and affordable services if institutionalization is necessary. -1-4. The barriers to service and disabling effects of governmental policies on various aging populations, historically under-served or discriminated against. III. TEACHING METHODS Lectures, including visiting lecturers to bring specialized knowledge and lecture variety to the course. Student reports, small groups and general discussions. Field trips to view facilities for housing and caring for the disabled elderly.. Handouts, current and relevant to the class discussion, will offer different perspectives or to enhance the required reading for a fuller understanding of the subject. Three one-page essays require students to summarize succinctly the information provided in selected class sessions. A fourth essay, which is also the final exam, requires a summary of the contents of the entire course. IV. REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND COURSE MATERIALS Required texts Hooyman, Nancy R. & Kiyak, Asuman, (2002). Social Gerontology (6th ed). Boston. Allyn & Bacon. Kart, Gary S. & Kinney, Jennifer M. (2001). The Realities of Aging. (6th 3ed). Boston. Allyn & Bacon. Required Readings A Course Packet (Boas) of required readings is available for purchase by enrolled students at .....................(location not yet determined) Optional Text McInnis-Dittrich, Kathleen.(2001) Social Work With Elders. Boston. Allyn & Bacon V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. Prompt attendance and active participation in class presentations, discussions and field trips will be considered in preparation of the final grade. More than one -2-unexcused absence will lower the final grade. Permission for an absence due to personal or family emergency may be obtained from the instructor prior to class time. In an emergency on the day of the class, the instructor may be reached on a cell phone, 497-2847. Students who need to be absent from class should arrange for another student to take class notes and procure extra handouts, if any, in order to be prepared for the next class. 2. Readings: Students are required to read the assigned textbooks and packet materials prior to each class. Student reports and class discussions on the readings will focus on those subjects at the beginning of each class. Extra outside reading and research are encouraged to enhance student presentations. 3. Essays: Assigned one-page essays are the primary means of grading in this course. Essays must be typed in 12-point font and may be no longer than one 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper. The title of the essay, the student's name and date of submission should be entered on the reverse side of the essay paper. Errors in spelling, grammar and sentence structure will reduce grade points. Proof carefully. Essay due dates are on the class schedule and are due at the beginning of class. Essays submitted as attachments to e-mail are due at noon on the due date and must include the student name, title and date on the same page as the essay. Late essays are subject to a reduction in grade points unless prior permission is granted. Essay outlines may be submitted for comment at the last class before the due date. Instructor response will come by phone or e-mail within 48 hours. . 4. Integrity in student preparation and submission of work is expected. Refer to the standards of the University of Texas (http://utexas.edu/depts/dos/sis).. Make sure that your essays, notes and outlines are uniquely and verifiably your own. No sharing or collaborating on essay work is permissible. VI GRADING CRITERIA: Course Requirements Attendance and participation Three essays (20% each) Final Essay % of grade 10 % 60 % 30 % _____ Grading Scale A= 100 - 90 B = 89 - 80 C = 79 - 70 D = 69 - 60 Total 100 % E = 59 and below -3-VI. COURSE SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS (subject to revision) 1/16 I. COURSE OVERVIEW • Syllabus and expectations • History of human development and aging through the centuries. • Characteristics of elderly, myths and realities • Diversity among aging Required readings Hooyman & Kiyak - Ch.1, The Growth of Social Gerontology, pp 3-31, Ch. 2, Historical and Cross-Cultural Issues ,pp 41-56, Ch 3, The Social Consequences of Physical Aging, pp 62-95, Kart & Kinney - Ch 1, The Myths of Aging, pp1-38, Ch. 3, The Demography of Aging, pp 41-61, Generations, Fall 2001, "Images of Aging" Recommended reading McInnes-Dittrich - Ch.1, The Context of Social Work Practice with Elders, pp 1-7, 17,18, Ch.2, Biological Changes and the Physical Well-being of Elders, pp 26-40 The Gerontologist, 4(1) 2001 Journal of Aging and Social Policy, 9(2) 1977 1/23 II BIOPHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Reports • Theories of biological aging • Biological changes in aging • Dermatological system • Neurological system • Muscular-skeletal system • The sensory system Required Reading :