Course Description
Social and cultural nature of human aging in a global society. Aging over the life course as a social process, and age as a structural feature of changing societies and groups. Consequences of the interactions of individuals with their social and cultural environments, including media and pop culture.
Athena Title
Aging in Society
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in GRNT 7650E
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course will emphasize the sociological influences on the study of human aging. The course will explore and evaluate a range of issues facing an aging society. Students successfully completing this course should: 1.Describe and discuss the major sociological theories and frameworks that have contributed to social gerontology 2.Utilize sociological concepts, theories, and frameworks to critically examine social, cultural, and physical contexts of aging 3.Evaluate how sociology has contributed to social gerontology 4.Apply the relationship of age to other dimensions of stratification and inequality in society (such as race and ethnicity) 5.Discuss the influence of media and pop culture on our aging society 6.Examine global aging trends by comparing and contrasting aging across countries
Topical Outline
1.Outline and summarize the history of social gerontology 2.Sociological theories of aging-Summarize, critique, and apply 3.Define and critically examine the social, cultural, and physical contexts of aging 4.Discuss the influence of media and pop culture on our aging society 5.Global aging: Compare and contrast aging populations across countries 6.Discuss the influence of family and community life 7.Identify and explain the importance of elder abuse 8.Evaluate and estimate dependency, poverty, and retirement 9.Explore the importance of disability and mortality 10.Discuss the influence of race and ethnicity 11.Describe housing and long-term care options 12.Analyze the impact of politics, government, and policy on older adults 13.Discuss the emerging issues and ongoing debates