Psych 403-Adulthood and Aging
Syllabus Spring Semester 2011
Instructor: Peg Racek Location: BR363
Phone: 477-2802 (leave message)Time: 3:00-4:15 T TH
Website: web.mnstate.edu/racekE-mail:
Office hours: Talk with me after class, email or set up appointment.
TEXT:
Custom text that consists of chapters from different textbooks, such as Aging, Lifespan Development and Topical Annual Editions.
“Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they’re looking for ideas”~ Paula Poundstone
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of adult development. Students will study the nature of adulthood and aging, and the methods used to study the aging processes. Stages of adult development including death and the dying process, along with theories that seek to explain these stages, will be studied.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To gain an understanding of stages of development in adulthood.
2. To gain an understanding of the aging process.
3. To gain an understanding of the influences of cognitive, biological and social factors on individuals as they age and approach death.
STUDENT EVALUATION:
There will be three exams consisting of short answer and essay, multiple choice and fill-in the blank questions. Exams will be 60 points. There will be NO makeup exams. If you need to miss an exam due to a major event that is unavoidable, such as extreme illness, family emergency or death in the family, you must talk to me first, and then put your request in writing. Points will be lost if there is an unexcused delay in taking an exam.
There will be 3 to 5 quizzes scheduled throughout the semester to help students stay current with readings.
“Thiry-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart” ~ Caryn Leschen
STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS:
Students will be required to conduct an interview of person 40 or older, as a way to relate information learned in class. Detailed information that relates to conducting the interview and possible questions to ask will be described in class and posted. Due date for assignment will be after spring break. 40 points
Students will be asked to research and give an in-class presentation on a topic relating to disorders in aging. Students will work with another student on the paper and presentation. Presentations will be given the last days of the semester and will include the class time allotted to final exam. 40 points
While covering the topic of death and dying, students will be required to research and write a paper on a topic from end-of- life issues. Additionally, students will be assigned an activity involving obituaries and life values. More information will be posted.
Activities that relate to specific topics in adulthood will be assigned throughout the semester. These will be described in class and then posted on racek website: web.mnstate.edu/racek.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY:
Class: Regular class attendance is recommended, and expected. Participation in class discussion and class activities is expected. Attendance will be taken frequently. It is your responsibility to get notes from others if missing class. Notes and announcements of changes made will be posted on racekwebsite.
It is important that students read the material before class time to help in participation and class discussion, as reading and discussing concepts will assist with meaningful learning. Certain topics will be covered in class and in more detail, while other topics will not be discussed in class. Any assigned reading and any material covered in class will be students’ responsibility.
Student Behavior: Respect others. Talking during class, sleeping, or reading of newspapers or other materials is not showing respect. Listen when others are asking questions or making comments in class.
Phone calls and texting need to happen before or after class. Students who chronically make use of their cell phones in class will be asked to leave class. Laptop computers will not be allowed unless necessary for note-taking. Please discuss laptop needs with me in person.
Email and website: I will attempt to respond to email questions within 24 hours, excluding weekends. If there is a more immediate concern, you need to see me directly or call the Psy office and leave a message for me. When missing class, you can talk with me directly the following class period with questions. Questions about many topics such as grades and missing class require more privacy than speaking to me before or after class, so it is better to set up a time to speak with me privately.
Notes and assignment information will be posted on instructor website found at web.mnstate.edu/racek. Notes will be available fora period of time, and then removed. Assignment directions will be posted until date assignment is due. Study guides, if used, may be given out in class or posted for a short period of time on website. Students will need to print any notes or assignment information posted as soon as possible. If problems exist in accessing website material, please see me to make arrangements for printed material.
Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-5859 (Voice) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
GRADING:
90-100% of total points = A60-69% of total points = D
80-89% of total points = Bless than 60% = F
70-79% of total points = C