AGING AND SOCIETY

Sociology 164 (801)

Spring, 2001

Professor: Dr. Karen Conner

128 Howard Hall

271.2167

E Mail: karen.conner@drake.edu

FAX: 271.2055

Office Hours: Tuesday, 1:00 to 2:00 and 3:15 to 4:00

Wednesday, 3:00 to 4:45

Thursday, 1:00 to 2:00 and 3:15 to 4:30

At other times by appointment.

RequiredTexts:

Binstock, Robert H. and Linda K. George (eds.). Handbook ofAging and the Social Sciences. New York: Academic Press, 1996. (4th Edition)

Torres-Gil, Fernando. The New Aging: Politics and Change in America. New York: Auburn House, 1992.

Course Description:

For the first time in history, nearly every American will live to be an old person. This extension of human life expectancy and the consequent aging of our society stands in remarkable contrast both to our own nation's history and to present conditions and circumstances in some other parts of the world. The purpose of this course is to describe the results of this historic progress and to consider the challenges this progress creates for the future.

The aging of America and Americans is a result of tremendous scientific, technological, and social progress. Never before in the history of our country have so many lived so long. Today, most people are part of multi generational families. We have an opportunity to develop long lasting relationships with our parents and grandparents, and even our great grandparents. As a result of increases in life expectancy, we relate to the human life cycle in a historically new and different way.

Not all Americans have experienced the benefits of increased longevity, however. Furthermore, the aging of our population has brought with it a number of new and challenging personal and social concerns. Americans are concerned and asking questions about their own old age. Some wonder whether they will be able to provide the kind of care and support their parents may need as they grow older. Others are beginning to ask whether we as a society can afford to meet the costs associated with an aging population. Questions of intergenerational equity are being raised. Can we afford to meet the needs of so many older Americans? Can we afford not to?

This course explores some of the social challenges and concerns confronting American society as we chart the new territory open to us by the extension of human life expectancy. An integrating theme found throughout the course is C. Wright Mill's notion of "personal troubles and public concerns". In the past, few people lived long enough to experience problems associated with old age. When they did, their troubles were a personal or private concern. Today, with an increasing proportion of Americans reaching old age, these once personal troubles are now public issues. These personal troubles and public issues are the subject of this course.

Aging Studies Concentrafion'

This course is part of a package of courses covering the field of gerontology or "Aging Studies". Gerontology is a multidisciplinary and scientific study of the aging process. Gerontologists recognize that aging is a combination of physical, psychological, and social processes. Consequently, the study of gerontology includes three primary disciplines: Biology, Psychology, and Sociology.

Drake University offers students the opportunity to pursue the "Aging Studies Concentration". The 15 credit hour concentration may be added to any major field of study. The Aging Studies Concentration is particularly well suited for careers in the health professions, business, journalism, and social service.

Requirements for the Concentration:

Bio 158 Biomedical Aspects of Aging

Psy 147 Psychology of Adult Development and Aging

Soc 90 Aging and the Life Course

Soc 164 Aging and Society

AS 199* Field Placement

*Aging Studies 199 should be taken following completion of other course work in the Concentration. Students pursuing degrees in Pharmacy and Nursing may substitute a practicum or field placement in their major area of study for Aging Studies 199.

For additional information or to enroll in the program please call:

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Course Requirements for Aging and Society

Your final course grade will be based on your performance on three examinations, a final course paper, and class participation/attendance.

Exminations; Three short answer essay style exams will be given on the dates stated in your syllabus. The exams are designed to assess the students' mastery of specific course content and

will cover reading assignments, lectures, films, discussions and other course materials.

Short answer essay style questions focus on specific course content and ask students to define, describe, explain, compare, analyze, or critically evaluate information. Sample questions are:

(1) Significant pockets of poverty remain in the older population. Focus on the concept of "triple jeopardy" and identify the three groups where the risk of poverty is highest. Explain why this is the case. (2) Easterlin's research reveals that small generational cohorts typically follow larger generational cohorts. Why does this occur? (3) There are three demographic variables that determine the age structure of a population. Identify these variables and explain how each is related to population aging.

Important Note Regarding Exam Policy: Exams are given only at the scheduled time. In no case is an exam given early. In case of illness or personal emergency, a special make up examination may be written after all exams have been graded. You must notify the professor by telephone at 271.2167 if you are going to miss an exam. Make up exams must be taken during office hours. All students missing the scheduled exam must take the make up exam together as a group.

Final Course Paper: Your final course paper is a formal writing assignment designed to apply knowledge acquired in the classroom to practical social problems. We know that the human population of the 21st century will be significantly older than populations of the past. This represents a major demographic shift for our nation and the world. What are the implications of this change? What will be different as a result of population aging? You may choose to focus your essay on one issue or several issues.

Your essay will be graded on the basis of its substantive content. Your essay should reflect an understanding of course materials. Additional library research on your specific topic is recommended. Style, spelling, and grammar are important and will be considered.

Specific Guidelines That Must Be Followed:

1. Your paper should be 5 to 6 pages long.

2. Your paper must be typed and double spaced.

3. Make 2 copies of your paper. One copy is to be turned in for grading and the other is kept for

class discussion purposes. Papers will be discussed in class during the final exam period.

4. Do not purchase a special folder for your paper. Simply attach a cover sheet to your paper that

contains your name and the title of this course.

5. Your paper is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, May 2.

Note that NO CREDIT is given for papers turned in after class on the date the paper is due. There is no exception to this rule. You are encouraged to turn your paper in early to avoid last minute problems that would have a negative effect on your grade.

 

 

Participation in class is an important part of the learning process. Since participation is important, attendance is required. A record of attendance will be kept. As a guideline, remember that missing 1 class is the equivalent of 1 week of class participation. An accumulation of more than 2 absences will result in the loss of all attendance points and a score of zero will be given for attendance. The only excused absences are those for athletes who are required to travel for team games or for students who are required to participate in a university sponsored event. Athletes must present a written excuse from their coach and other students must present a written excuse from the professor sponsoring the event.

It is also important to be on time for class. Late arrivals will be noted and excessive tardiness will result in the loss of all attendance points.

 

In addition, in order to establish and maintain a high quality learning environment in the classroom students are responsible for meeting the following obligations:

 

1. Be on time for class. Class begins promptly at 5:00.

2. Have the assigned reading completed fy the specified date.

3. Be prepared to contribute to class discussions in a meaningful way.

4. Attend class regularly.

 

Final Course Grade~ Each of the grade components described in the above paragraphs will comprise the following proportion of your final course grade.

Exam 1 25 percent 50 Points

Exam 2 25 percent 50 Points

Exam 3 25 percent 50 Points

Final Course Paper 15 percent 30 Points

Attendance 10 percent 20 Points

100 percent 200 Points

TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS

 

Topic 1: The Aging of America - Contrasting Individual and Population Aging

We will exarnine the historical development of aging studies and the differences between the individual aging process and population aging.

 

January 17: Myers, "Aging and the Social Sciences"

Marshall, "The State of Theory in Aging"

Topic 2: Historical Perspectives

During the course of American history, expectations about old age have changed. We will explore some of these changes and link them to larger social forces.

 

January 24: Achenbaum, "Historical Perspectives in Aging"

Topic 3: Aging as a Social Problern

C. Wright Mills' perspective on private troubles and public concerns will be applied to population aging.

 

January 31: Torres-Gil, The New Aging

February 7: Please bring to class a list of 3 "social problems" created by (or associated with) population aging.

February 14: EXAM 1

 

Topic 4: Work, Retirement, and a New "Leisure Class"

In this section of the course we will discuss the institutionalization of a new life stage -"Retirement".

 

February 14: No Reading Assignment

February 21: NO CLASS

Use class time this week to identify at least 3 possible topics for your final course paper. Use class materials, library resources, and the Internet to begin researching these topics. Your goal should be to finalize your topic or topics by the end of

February. The remaining time in the semester can be used to research your

topics. Bring a 1 page summary of your topics to class with you on February 28. These will be turned in for comment.

 

February 28: Easterlin, "Economic and Social Implications of Demographic Patterns" Quadagno and Hardy, "Work and Retirement"

Topic 5: The Economics of Population Aging

What are the economic impacts of population aging? Here we will focus on some of the main

entitlement programs (e.g. Social Security) as well as labor force issues and the intergenerational transfer of wealth.

 

March 7 Schulz, "Economic Security Policies"

Crystal, "Economic Status of the Elderly"

Topic 6: The Family - A Changing Social Institution

Changes in the structure and function of the American family will be examined as they relate to population aging.

 

March 14 Bengtson, Rosenthal, and Burton, "Paradoxes of Families and Aging"

Pearlin, Aneshensel,, Mullen, and Whitlatch, "Caregiving and Its Social Support"

March21 NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK

March28 EXAM 2

Topic 7: Community Based Service and Long Term Ca~

 

In this section of the course we will examine the development of alternatives to family based care.

 

March28 No Reading Assignment

April 4 Hudson, "Social Protection and Services"

Pynoos and Golant, "Housing and Living Arrangements for the Elderly"

Topic 8: The Politics of Aging

Population aging may change the American political landscape. In this section of the course we will consider some of those changes.

 

April 11 Binstock and Day, "Aging and Politics"

Estes, Linkins, and Binney, 'The Political Economy of Aging"

Topic 9: Aging - A Global Concern

In the 21st century, population aging will become a global concern. We will discuss some of the cross cultural implications of this demographic shift.

 

April 18 Fry, "Age, Aging, and Culture"

Topic 10: The Future?

Who are the elderly of the future? Will they live longer and healthier lives? Can we meet the needs of an aging population?

April 25 Kapp, "Aging and the Law"

Cole and Holstein, "Ethics and Aging"

May 2 Final Course Paper Due

EXAM 3

FINAL EXAM PERIOD: May 9, 6:00 to 7:50.

During the final exam period we will hold a group discussion focused on the course papers. You

are required to attend this class meeting. An absence from class will count on the attendance record.