Summer 2023 - SA 420 D100
Sociology of Aging (S) (4)
Class Number: 5027
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Aug 10, 2023
Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Samantha Teichman
steichma@sfu.ca
Office: AQ 5069
Office Hours: By appointment
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Prerequisites:
72 units including SA 101 or 150 or SA 201W, or acceptance into the diploma program in gerontology, or by consent of instructor.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
The structural and behavioral implications of aging. Topics included will be: demographic aspects of aging; the relationship of aging to political, economic, familial and other social institutions; the psychological significance of aging. This course is identical to GERO 420 and students cannot take both courses for credit. Students may use GERO 420 to fulfil their major or minor requirements in lieu of SA 420.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course provides students with an understanding of aging and the aged from a sociological perspective. It illustrates how the integration of theory and methodology from the social sciences can be used to describe, explain, and predict social gerontological phenomena and to analyze critically the implications of these patterns for social policy. Students will develop an awareness and appreciation of the social significance of aging in a variety of cultural contexts but with a strong emphasis on Canadian society. Topics include demographic aspects of aging, historical perspectives, theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of aging, health status and health care issues, living environments and aging, family and social support across the life course, and social policy.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
The primary goal of this course is to provide you with an understanding of aging from a sociological perspective. Throughout this course, you will develop and strengthen your skills in critical thinking, writing, and reading. As a fourth-year course, class discussion and student participation are critical to course assessment. It is my personal goal, as your instructor, to foster a supportive class environment. By the end of the course, you should be able to:
- Comprehend major trends and sociological issues relevant to contemporary later life and aging processes.
- Critically evaluate and reflect upon the ways in which various factors shape aging, such as physical and health factors, economic and vocational factors, family and community relations, and social policy and politics.
- Understand the wide diversity of multi-disciplinary perspectives which conceptualize sociology and aging.
Grading
- Class Participation 15%
- Mid-term test 20%
- Group Media Analysis: Presentation & Summary 30%
- Final exam 35%
NOTES:
Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.
Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:
A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements
Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.
Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.
The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved! Follow Facebook and Instagram pages!
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Wister, A. (2019). Aging as a social process: Canada and Beyond (7th edition). Toronto: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0199028429
In addition to the text, a collection of required readings will be available through our CANVAS web links (at no cost)
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.