Introduction to Gerontology
(Important note: many of the graphics are links remember to check them out)

Housatonic Community College

Assistant Professor: Janet Lanci MS, LPC

 Office: A206, Phone: 203-332-8548

 E-MAIL: [email protected]

Office hours: On-ground - Wednesday 4pm – 6pm 
On-Line – Sunday 10 pm – 11pm via Yahoo messenger ID is Prof_Lanci and via AOL instant messenger ID is Prof Lanci

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
An interdisciplinary introduction to the major concepts and issues related to the study of the aging process.  The course is designed for students considering a career in gerontology or a field where understanding the psychological, physical, social and environmental issues of the elderly is of critical importance.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

            GENERAL EDUCATION:

• 1.2 Demonstrate a knowledge of the behavioral and social sciences and their methods
• 2.1 State a problem clearly
• 2.2 Observe data accurately
• 2.3 Analyze and organize facts and ideas
•  2.4 Draw reasonable inferences from facts and ideas
•  3.2 Receive and comprehend written and verbal information
• 4.1 Collect and organize information about a topic
• 4.2 Access information from libraries using printed and electronic sources
• 5.1 Recognize ethical issues, both personal and public

OTHER:

Demonstrate a knowledge of the field of aging and the human service agencies, which provide services for this population in American society.

• Overview of gerontology
• Physiological aspects of aging
• Psychological aspects of aging
• Sociology of aging
• Economics of aging
• Social policy and its implications for the aged
• Societal structure and the aged
• Aging and minority status in society
• Gains and losses in the later life cycle
• Further issues in the field of gerontology

Required Texts:
Susan Hiller, Georgia Barrow, Aging, the Individual, and Society 8th edition, ISBN 0-534-59814-5

Recommended Web Sites:

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Articulate an understanding of the growing problems of aging in our society, particularly as it relates to young adults through the elderly
2. Critically analyze the physical, social and psychological problems of aging
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the process of aging as it relates to our personal lives and family
4. Articulate an understanding of the dilemma of placing an elderly relative in an extended care facility and/or Hospicing vs. keeping the elderly relative at home
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the implications of grieving, death and dying as it relates to aging.

  
“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? Author: Satchel Paige 

Class Schedule (subject to change):

Week 1 - Distance Learning, introduce yourself, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 2 - Read chapter one, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 3 – Read chapter two, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 4 –Read chapter three and four, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 5 ––  Read chapter five, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 6 - Read chapter six, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 7 –Midterm Exam, Read chapter  seven, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 8 - Read chapter eight and nine, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 9 -  Read chapter 10, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question 

Week 10 - Interview is due.  Read chapter 12,answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 11 - Read chapter 14, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 12 -Read chapter 11, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 13 - Read chapter 15, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Week 14 -Read chapter 16, answer the threaded discussions, 1 to 2 page essay on your question

Final Exam

Always run your mouse over the graphics to see if the graphic is being used as a link! Also the following is an extremely important link you will see each Learning Unit. You will find all your homework assignments and directions under the following graphic:

Course Requirements and Evaluation:

Weights of assignments:

• Quizzes, midterm and final 25%
• Threaded Discussions 25%
• Writing/Interviewing, 25%
• Weekly Essays 25%

Writing/Interviewing Assignment:

You will be asked to interview a centennian, and then write critical analysis of this interview. Include in the critical analysis your own thoughts and opinions of the interview and the interveiwee.

Threaded Discussion Questions Assignment:
Read and respond to your assigned discussion question. You are assigned to answer whichever question has your name following it. You will also be responsible for responding to the posts of at least two other students to questions other than the one you answered. The questions are designed to bring about the key points of the module through peer interaction and group participation. Post your answers in the Threaded discussion for each learning unit. Place the number of the discussion question being answered in the subject line of your message along with a brief descriptor. Example: DQ4 Marx' theory.
Instructions:
1. Answer the discussion question assigned to you. You should answer the question that precedes your name.
2. Suggested length is a response approximately equivalent to 150-300 words.
4. You should do the reading assignment for the week before you answer your discussion question, and you are encouraged to refer to outside articles in your response, if appropriate.
5. Please put the number of your DQ, and a brief description in the subject line of your message
6. Write out the question before you write your answer in your posting. This will help us focus on the content and keep things in order.
7. Review the responses of your fellow classmates and post your comments and reactions as appropriate. You are NOT expected to comment on EVERYONE's postings - only those that interest you (but a minimum of two).
For further information please check the rubrics.

1 to 2 page essay
This is to be done in standard essay format with an opening paragraph a body supporting the opening paragraph and a closing paragraph. it is to be double spaced with a 12 font. Graphics are not included in the page size, so don't try to include the fluff to expand your paper. Margarine's should be the standard default size of word. Do not send me your essay in the body of an email, please send it as an attachment with the subject to state your name and learning unit. Example Lanci_LU1. Make sure you save your paper with the same name as what you will put in the subject line of your email. Example Lanci_LU1. Make sure that you put your name in the body of your paper. Please make sure that you have checked your email for viruses before you send it to me.

It would be very beneficial to you to pay attention to this icon:

Syllabus supplement-Housatonic Community College
Important information for the semester:

Computer Lab Hours – Room A230 and A232

Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 9:00 pm Friday-Saturday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Sunday – 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Student financial obligations:

A student in good financial standing with the College is one who has no outstanding
financial obligations. In order to earn credit in this course, the student is expected to be
in good financial standing with the College.

Students must pay their bills to the College on time and in full. Students who do not do so are in financial default and will not earn credit for coursework done while in default.

Failure to maintain good financial standing does not oblige the College to grant credit for
a course, regardless of the student’s work or attendance in a course.

The professor’s only obligation is to inform the student that the student is not on the roster, and that the student needs to remedy the situation with the appropriate office at the College.

Student Handbook

The Student Handbook lists student rights, responsibilities and expectations for classroom behavior. Note as an example that cell phones and paging devices must be turned off or muted before class begins.

SYLLABUS SUPPLEMENT

LIBRARY HOURS
When classes are in session:
Fall/Spring Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm
Saturday 8:30am - 3:30pm
Sunday 11:30am - 6:00 pm
Summer Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 7:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm
When classes are not in session:
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm
LIBRARY WEB PAGE: www.hcc.commnet.edu/library

The Housatonic Library exists to serve students, faculty, and staff and strives for maximum access. We are open seven days a week during Fall and Spring semesters, have at least one professional librarian available at all times, and offer online off-campus access to many of our databases. To foster communication between faculty and librarians and facilitate practical and efficient use of the library, here is some other information you may find useful:

Reference
Reference service is provided during all hours of library operation.

Library Instruction
Library (or Bibliographic) Instruction sessions to familiarize students with library services and resources are available upon request of the faculty member teaching the class. (The exceptions are the mandatory presentations given to Developmental Studies 99 and English 101 classes.) The presentations are adapted to the needs of the group and range from basic information to more advanced and/or subject specific sessions. If you wish to have a librarian give a presentation to your class, please contact Peter Everett at:
332-5074 or [email protected].

Library Databases
Currently, 13 separate and distinct databases (computerized magazine indexes and other informational directories), are available in the library. These databases offer mostly full-text articles. Most of these databases can be accessed from off-campus via the Internet.
A partial list:

InfoTrac OneFile General Interest/Comprehensive.

Business & Company Resource Center Comprehensive Business and Industry information.

ABI/Inform Global Worldwide Business & Management information.

Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe News/Business/Legal, a multi-layered database with magazine and newspaper articles, excerpts from reference books, etc.

Opposing Viewpoints Pro and con articles on current event topics.

Health and Wellness Resource Center Health/Medical/Psychological, a large
database with periodical articles and excerpts from reference books and pamphlets.

Ethnic Newswatch Indexes smaller publications representing different National, Ethnic, & Racial groups.

¡Informe! Spanish-language magazine index.

Library Computers
The library is one of the areas providing computer services to HCC students, faculty, and staff. The role of the library, and therefore the purpose of library computers, is to provide access to information. The computers are intended primarily for academic/research use. Access is provided for the following areas:

Catalog: For locating and gaining access to any books, videos, DVDs, or CDs that are found in the library.
Databases: For accessing full-text magazine, newspaper articles and other proprietary information via online periodical indexes.
Internet: For access to the Internet for purposes of research.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact:
Peter Everett, Public Services Librarian x5074 [email protected] or
Nancy Blomstrom, Library Director x5072 [email protected]

ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER

The Academic Support Center provides students with a variety of services designed to enhance their academic and personal experiences at HCC.

Some of the specific services offered include:

• One on one tutoring with Master and Peer Tutors in over 90% of the courses listed in each semester's catalog.
• Study Groups are a very effective way to review class materials, stay on top of assignments, and make the grade. Bring your classmates in for a tutor facilitated group review.
• Specially trained writing tutors work with students on all types of writing from developing a paragraph to drafting a research paper.
• A writing lab where students can work with their tutor at the computer.
• "Computer Tutors": computers that have specific software for developmental studies courses (including reading, algebra and basic math), psychology, pre calculus, science and ESL.
• Audio Video resources in basic and intermediate algebra, calculus, statistics, foreign languages and more.
• On Line Tutoring is available 7 days a week. Many evening and weekend hours are available. Come to B 1 16 to get your password.
• Workshops and training sessions provide students with academic skills and personal enrichment. We offer regularly scheduled workshops on such diverse topics as study skills, coping with test anxiety, computer basics, navigating the Internet, and stress reduction.

The Center, located in B116, B118, and B120, is comprised ofthe Tutoring Center, the Writing Across the Curriculum Center, Disabilities Support Services, and the Center for Testing Services. We're open 8:30 7:30 Monday Thursday, 8:30 4:00 Friday, and 9:00 3:00 Saturday.

The ASC is the available free of charge to all HCC students. Tutoring has been a key to consistent improvement for students doing well in classes and for those who are having diff'culty in a course.

Come in to B116 and make an appointment.

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