Courses Available

Fall 2007

SOC 5400-375: Sociology of Adult Development and Aging

This course is a sociological approach to the study of development and age-related changes during the adult years. Thus the course does not focus on biological or psychological aspects of aging, except as they impact society’s response to the elderly. Instead, this course provides an in-depth overview of dominant sub-areas of social gerontology (family, productivity, living arrangements, end-of-life issues, women’s issues, etc.), the methods by which the elderly are studied, and the theories that attempt to explain the social experience of aging (particularly in America). There is a strong focus on skills development relevant for persons currently or planning to work with or on behalf of older persons.

Contact Ed Rosenberg (rosenberge@appstate.edu) at Appalachian State University for information on this course.

SOC 5630-375: Programs and Services for Older Adults

The primary objectives of this web-based course are to provide an understanding of: 1) existing programs and services designed to meet the needs of older adults, and; 2) the policy mechanisms underlying those programs. This course focuses on both policy and practice issues related to services for older adults. Drawing on research from both sociology and social work, the course emphasizes the long-term impact of an aging society on social institutions as well as relevant modes of practice in addressing the needs of the older population.

Contact Ed Rosenberg (rosenberge@appstate.edu) at Appalachian State University for information on this course.

Women and Aging

This course will operate either as an on-line seminar with 2 or 3 interactive video meetings that will not require one's presence in Wilmington. This means that the instructor will assign readings and will organize on-line discussion groups, posting new topics for discussion while the course is in session. Topics for discussion will include research reports and theory development regarding social aspects of aging among women. The implications of changing demographic characteristics of the aging population in the United States will be considered especially with regard to consequences for women. Goals for students include:(1) to explore the intersection of age, gender, race and class as they affect the lives of aging women; (2) to investigate the consequences of ageism and sexism as one advances in age; (3) to review research methods and theory generation with regard to women and aging; (4) to participate in a four decade study of older women's life histories, and (5) to examine the social process of "celebrating" one's life.

Contact Ellie Covan (covane@uncw.edu) at UNC Wilmington for more information on this course.