Perspectives in Gerontology (DL)

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives in the study of ageing and life course.
• Summarise key aspects of population ageing, for example relating to its determinants and/or its implications for social and economic resources across the life course and in later life.
• Use skills in summarising and critically discussing literature, and also your written communication skills developed through the preparation of assessed coursework.
• Identify and locate relevant literature through the use of University resources.

The module will include online lectures on: an introduction to the study of Gerontology; the demography of ageing (UK & Europe); the epidemiology of ageing; the psychology of ageing and adjustment in later life; key theoretical perspectives on ageing and the life course; life course transitions, experiences and identity; ethinic diversity in later life; the history of the British welfare state and key issues in the development of welfare provision; work and retirement; material resources in later life; inter-generational relations and family support; and policy initiatives and ageing.

Teaching and learning methods

The module involves lectures and guest lectures from different disciplines. Learning activities include lectures, informal group discussions and independent study. Students are expected to carry out some reading in advance of each session, in order to be able to participate in discussions.

A Discussion Board is made available on Blackboard. Students can post general questions in the Q&A folder in the Discussion Board. Module convenors will post answers via Discussion Board in order to ensure that all students receive the same level of information regarding to the module. Students should subscribe to the Discussion Board and check Blackboard regularly so that the most updated information is not missed. For any questions concerning privacy, students should always send emails to module convenors. Timely module information is also posted in the announcements section, and emailed to students.

Module communication: Students are welcome to contact module convenors and lecturers by Discussion Board on Blackboard, in addition to by email.

The Discussion Board may also be used to post links to articles and other media items that relate to the lectures, and we also would encourage you to feel free to post about items that you would like to share with your student cohort.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Module resources will be available on Blackboard, such as lecture PowerPoint slides, audiorecordings of lectures, key readings, coursework details, discussion boards and wikis, references and module updates. Students will be provided with guidance to use Skype for verbal/visual communication with tutors..

Textbooks

Phillips, J. et al (2010). Key Concepts in Social Gerontology. London: Sage.

Dannefer, D. and Phillipson, C. (2010). The Sage Handbook of Social Gerontology. London: Sage.

Victor, C. (2005). The Social Context of Ageing: A Textbook of Gerontology. Routledge..

Vincent, J. et al (eds.) (2006). The Futures of Old Age. London: Sage.

Assessment strategy

Critical Literature Review of 3,500 words (100% of the grade).

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External