Syll318_W02.html

Winter 2002
D. Valencia-Laver

PSY 318 - Psychology of Aging

Course Description This course examines the characteristics of psychological aging in the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions. Theories and research relating to age stability and change in perception, memory, intelligence, personality, sexuality, and family relationships will be presented and discussed. Cross-ethnic and cross-cultural influences as they relate to aging or the understanding of aging will also be examined. Additional topics include mental health issues, institutionalization, death, and bereavement. Course Objectives

To be able to distinguish between myth and "fact" with regard to aging.
To be aware of the current research in the field.
To challenge your beliefs about aging.
To understand the aging process from a psychological perspective.
To determine the effects the aging process has on your life.
To look at the impact of changing values on services available to older adults.
To debate controversial issues, e.g., euthanasia, retirement, education for older adults.

General Information

Texts -

Belsky, J. (1999). The psychology of aging (3rd Ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks-Cole.
Cox, H. (Ed., 2002). Annual editions: Aging 02/03. Guilford, CT: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin.
Instructor - Debra Valencia-Laver, FON 47- 21R
Office hours: M 7-8 pm; W 2-3 pm & 7-8 pm; F 10-11 am, or by appointment
Phone: 756 - 1603
Email: dlvalenc@calpoly.edu

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Grading

Grading will be based on your performance on two exams (a midterm and a final), seven concept checks/reaction papers (six will be counted towards your grade), two written investigations with group presentations, and one case study. Because lectures and guest presentations will focus on particular topics within a chapter, rather than on the entire chapter itself, it will be important to keep up with the readings in order to participate in class and do well on exams.
The tests will be worth 50 points each (30 points multiple choice/fill in, 20 points essay). Concept checks are worth 5 points each with 30 points counted towards your grade. The investigations are worth 35 points each (30 points write-up and 5 points presentation). The case study is worth another 100 points (90 points write-up and 10 points presentation). Grades will be assigned on the following scale:

285 — 300 A	250 — 259 B	220 — 229 C	190 — 199 D
270 — 284 A-	240 — 249 B-	210 — 219 C-	180 — 189 D-
260 — 269 B+	230 — 239 C+	200 — 209 D+	below 180 F

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Syllabus

DATE TOPIC READINGS (Belsky)

1/7 Introduction Chapter 1

1/9 - 1/14 Theories and Methods Chapter 2

1/21 MLK, Jr. Holiday

1/16 - 1/23 Personality Chapter 8

1/28- 1/30 Normal Aging; Sensory & Motor Function Chapter 3 & Chapter 4
1/30: Investigation #1 due

2/4 - 2/6 Disease, Disability, & Health Care Chapter 5

2/11 MIDTERM Chapters 1 - 5, 8

2/13 Psychopathology Chapter 9

2/18 President’s Day Holiday

2/20 - 2/25 Intelligence; Memory & Dementia Chapters 6 & 7
2/20: Case Study draft due

2/27 - 3/4 The Older Family Chapter 10
2/27: Investigation #2 due

3/6 Transitions Chapter 11

3/11 - 3/13 Death & Dying Chapter 12
3/13: Case Study due

3/20 FINAL 7:00 — 10:00 pm Chapters 6 - 7, 9 - 12

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Last Updated 03 January 2002

DATE	TOPIC	READINGS (Belsky)
1/7	Introduction	Chapter 1
1/9 - 1/14	Theories and Methods	Chapter 2
1/21	MLK, Jr. Holiday
1/16 - 1/23	Personality	Chapter 8
1/28- 1/30	Normal Aging; Sensory & Motor Function	Chapter 3 & Chapter 4 1/30: Investigation #1 due
2/4 - 2/6	Disease, Disability, & Health Care	Chapter 5
2/11	MIDTERM	Chapters 1 - 5, 8
2/13	Psychopathology	Chapter 9
2/18	President’s Day Holiday
2/20 - 2/25	Intelligence; Memory & Dementia	Chapters 6 & 7 2/20: Case Study draft due
2/27 - 3/4	The Older Family	Chapter 10 2/27: Investigation #2 due
3/6	Transitions	Chapter 11
3/11 - 3/13	Death & Dying	Chapter 12 3/13: Case Study due
3/20	FINAL 7:00 — 10:00 pm	Chapters 6 - 7, 9 - 12