Sociology 3040
Metropolitan State College of Denver
2007 Spring Semester

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN GERONTOLOGY

Instructor: Sheldon Steinhauser, Associate Professor

Home Phone: 303-220-5699

MSCD phone: 303-556-8541 (during office hours)

E-Mail: steinhas@mscd.edu

Classroom: WC 268 Call #30819

Office hours: 4:15-5:30 p.m. MW. Additional advising hours as arranged with students.

Class Time: 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. M W

COURSE OBJECTIVES: An exploration and analysis of major social issues, challenges and opportunities emanating from the demographic revolution - the shift to a middle-aged and older population in America. Practical problems and needs affecting our aging population and implications for change in all areas of society will be confronted, including how these will re-direct education, employment, marketing strategies and many others. Added emphasis on age discrimination in the workplace will be included. The course will utilize small group discussions, debates, field visit and resource personnel where appropriate. There will be some comparison of responses in other societies, notably Europe. Evaluation of student performance will be based upon several tests given at stated times during the semester, class attendance and final examination. Policy regarding NC grading and tape recording is attached. (Note: complete syllabus on file in Sociology office).

Required reading: Age Power, Dychtwald. New York: Tarcher/Putnam, 1999. Instructor and resource persons to provide selected supplemental materials.

Schedule/Assignments

January 17
Orientation
Age Power

January 22 - 24
Age Power
The New Wild, Wild West of Human Enhancement and Life Extension

January 29 - 31
The New Wild, Wild West of Human Enhancement and Life Extension
The Age Wave is Coming -- Is the World Ready for Elder Boomers

February 5 - 7
Is the World Ready for Boomers
The Emerging "Silver Market"

February 12 - 14
Age Power: AARP and Others
Living Environments/Review

February 19 - 21
Examination (Chapters One through Three) - 19th
Work/Leisure/Retirement

February 26 - 28
Work/Leisure/Retirement
Age Discrimination in the Workplace

March 5 - 7
Aging and Poverty
Social Security and Finances

March 12 - 14
Healthcare and Aging
Managed Care/Review

March 19 - 23
No Classes - Spring Break

March 26 - 28
Death and Dying
Examination (Chapters Four and Five) - 28th

April 2
No Class - Class Research session

April 4
Death and Dying

April 9 - 11
The Caregiving Crunch
Long Term Care

April 23 - 25
Financial Wake-Up Call
Intergenerational Relations

April 30 - May 2
Aging and Diversity /Spirituality
Summing Up/Review

May 7
Final (Chapters Six through Eight)

NOTE:Regular attendance (for the full class time) and class participation are a must and will impact grade.  While actual classroom discussion topics may vary from the dates given above, students are responsible for keeping up with all readings and assigned work, in accordance with the chapters and dates listed.  Knowledge/understanding of questions/subjects set forth in the Study Guide is essential.