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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Sociology of Aging
Course: SOC265

First Term: 2009 Summer I
Lecture   3 Credit(s)   3 Period(s)   3 Load  
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S


Description: Examination of the aging process from post adolescence through old age from interdisciplinary and multicultural perspectives. Emphasis on positive participation in major social institutions and the amelioration of age-related problems



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Define social gerontology, ageism, and life course. (I)
2. Explain how demographics influence the elderly person`s life chances in the United States, as well as cross-culturally. (I)
3. Describe three sociological perspectives sociologists use to analyze social gerontology. (II)
4. Describe how the aging process is influenced by physiological, psychological, and sociological factors. (III)
5. Describe the effects of social class, race/ethnicity, and gender on the individual`s experience as he or she ages. (IV)
6. Explain how physical/mental/substance abuse impacts the elderly. (IV)
7. Identify conditions under which the elderly become victims of violence and economic exploitation. (IV)
8. Describe the influence of various senior advocacy groups, such as AARP, on social policy decision-making involving issues of housing, health care, social security, work eligibility, and taxation. (IV)
9. Explain, citing cross-cultural studies, some of the myths, attitudes, and beliefs concerning sexuality and intimacy in old age. (V)
10. Describe three forms of interpersonal relationships experienced by the elderly, and how they affect the lifestyles and roles of the elderly. (V)
11. Describe how retirement impacts an older person`s life in relation to roles, values, attitudes, and economics. (V)
12. Explain how industrialization and technology has changed the individual`s (and family`s) experience with dying and death. (V)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Introduction
   A. Social gerontology
   B. Social construction of age/life course
   C. Historical/multicultural context of aging
II. Theoretical paradigms
   A. Sociological paradigms
      1. Functional theory
      2. Interactionist theory
      3. Conflict theory
      4. Exchange theory
   B. Psychological perspectives
      1. Personality theory
      2. Continuity theory
      3. Locus of control
III. Dimensions of the aging process
   A. Physiological aging
   B. Psychological aging
   C. Social aging
   D. Stereotypes/myths
IV. Aging in the societal context
   A. Social inequality
      1. Social class
      2. Race/ethnicity
      3. Gender
   B. Social problems
      1. Physical/mental abuse and neglect
      2. Substance abuse
         a. Drugs-prescription/over-the-counter
         b. Alcohol
      3. Victimization of the elderly
         a. Violent criminal activities
         b. Economic exploitation
      4. Ageism
   C. Political
      1. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
      2. Voting/political associations
      3. Economic impacts
         a. Social security
         b. Taxation
         c. Work eligibility
   D. Health and medical
      1. Medicare/medicaid
      2. Private insurance
      3. Quality and cost of health care
V. Aging in the social context
   A. Issues: Sexuality and intimacy
   B. Issues: Interpersonal relationships
      1. Friends and neighbors
      2. Family
   C. Issues: Employment and retirement
      1. Transition stages
      2. Changing roles, values, and attitudes
      3. Economic impacts
      4. Leisure
      5. Life style choices
   D. Issues: Finishing well
      1. Dying processes
      2. Death experiences
      3. Implications for family and significant others
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date:  12/9/2008

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.