Spring 2020 - GERO 823 G100
Mental Health and Illness in Later Life (4)
Class Number: 8423
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Theodore Cosco
tcosco@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Provides an overview of the range of mental illnesses affecting older adults, their respective diagnostic criteria, and empirically validated treatments (disorders with their onset in later life and those that extend into later years). Particular emphasis will be placed on the manner in which psychopathology presents differently among older adults, various theories of aetiology, barriers to diagnosis and treatment, and the social context in which mental illness is understood and treated across cultures.
COURSE DETAILS:
Psychopathology often presents in distinct ways among older adults. The intent of this course is to examine disorders with their onset in later life as well as those that extend into later years. Students will derive an understanding of the diagnostic criteria for various disorders, prevalence, theories of etiology, and selected empirically validated interventions.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
By the end of the semester, students will have the capacity to:
· Identify diagnostic criteria associated with various mental disorders
· Differentiate between key concepts in mental health and aging
· Compare and contrast models of mental health in later life
Grading
- Class participation 10%
- Term Paper 35%
- Term paper seminar 25%
- Mid-term exam 30%
REQUIREMENTS:
Participation in class activities, e.g. group discussion, will count towards the class participation grade. Students will be expected to present in front of the class at various points in the course. Readings assigned for each lecture will be integral to understanding the course material and should be read before class. Late assignments will not be accepted, save for extremely extenuating circumstances (as assessed by the instructor). All materials presented in any media in class or via Canvas are eligible to be included in the examinations. NB: Aspects of this syllabus are subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
The textbook for this course is Segal, D. L., Qualls, S. H., & Smyer, M. A. (2017). Aging and Mental Health (3rd ed.): Wiley-Blackwell. Additional materials will be posted on Canvas.
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS