Theoretical Foundations of Aging

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Apply aging-related theories to gerontological practice and research.
• Evaluate controversy surrounding gerontology as a discipline.
• Analyze theories from a range of disciplines that are used in gerontological research and practice.
• Relate biological, psychological, and sociological theory to professional jobs and roles in gerontology.
• Describe the history of gerontology and its emergence as a scientific field.
• Identify major gerontological professional organizations.
• Review unique roles and services that gerontologists provide.
• Explain the need for theory in gerontological practice and research.
• Recognize the fundamental features of major theories related to aging and gerontology.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Participation	45 points
Discussions	30 points
Papers	115 points
Video Presentation	30 points
Questions and Discussions	120 points
Graphic Organizers	120 points
Peer Evaluation	40 points
Total	500 points

Letter grades will be assigned according to the following point structure:

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
466 – 500 points	A
450 – 464 points	A–
435 – 449 points	B+
415 – 434 points	B
400 – 414 points	B–
399 points and below	F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance/participation is not a graded component included in the student's final grade for this course.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Grabinski, C.J. (2014). 101+ Careers in Gerontology (2nd). New York, NY: Spring Publishing Company.

Bengtson, V.L., Settersten, R.A., Kennedy, B.K., Morrow-Howell, N., Smith, J. (eds.) (2016). Handbook of Theories of Ageing (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.