Psychology of Aging

Course Description

Overview of psychological issues in aging, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes. Students evaluate psychological research findings on aging and apply this knowledge to understanding their own and others' personal development. Prerequisite: PSY 121 or permission of instructor.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

Explore the biological, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that occur during late adulthood, while challenging myths and stereotypes of old age.

Learning Objectives

  • Examine the biological and psychological theories of aging.
  • Analyze how memory, intelligence, and personality shift over time.
  • Evaluate the impact of family, work, and retirement on older adults.
  • Discuss health care, mental health issues, and end-of-life care.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  • Critically evaluate psychological theories of aging using empirical research data.
  • Analyze the social and cultural factors that shape the aging experience for diverse populations.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Chapter Quizzes 20%
Packbacks 20%
Reflections (infographic & interview) 40%
Comments (participation) 20%

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
93% and aboveA
90-92.99%A-
87-89.99%B+
83-86.99%B
80-82.99%B-
77-79.99%C+
73-76.99%C
70-72.99%C-
67-69.99%D+
63-66.99%D
60-62.99%D-
59.99% and belowF

Attendance/Participation:

This is an online asynchronous course, so attendance isn’t required. However, weekly comment assignments to lecture videos will act as attendance/participation.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

  • Adult Development and Aging (9th edition) by John C. Cavanaugh
  • Packback

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.