Module overview
The aim of this module is to (i) engage students in a critical debate on the transformations, challenges and potentials that ageing societies face and (ii) discuss the research methods, data and ethical implications involved in contemporary research of older people. Thus the module will combine critical assessment of contemporary issues relevant to ageing societies with the discussion of the application of quantitative and qualitative research methods to researching older people.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify and discuss the methods, data and ethical implications of researching substantive issues concerning ageing and older people
- Gain communication skills gained through the preparation of assessed coursework
- Draw on theoretical perspectives in Gerontology and apply them to contemporary social and economic issues affecting the lives of older people
- Demonstrate understanding of methods for researching ageing societies in a clear and succinct way, drawing on qualitative and numerical evidence, and referencing your sources correctly
- Locate relevant literature and published data
- Discuss contrasting viewpoints on key contemporary issues in ageing societies and critically evaluate the evidence and arguments for them
Syllabus
The module will include: critical consideration of the quantitative and qualitative research methods, secondary data sources and ethical issues concerned with researching older people in society; issues around
diverse lifestyles in later life and their implications for old-age support; poverty and social exclusion in old age; ageing in a multi-racial and multi-ethnic society; researching 'hard-to-reach' groups; conducting research in care homes; how ageing is structured by gender and ethnicity; work and retirement; and end of life care and dying. The module will also include a session on 'Tips on Writing a Project Proposal'.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module is taught by means of lectures and guest lectures, involving student participation, student presentations, and independent study, including designing a research proposal, developing essay writing and presentation skills.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 176 |
| Teaching | 24 |
| Total study time | 200 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Module resources available on BlackBoard include lecture PowerPoint slides, reading lists, coursework details, exercises, references and module updates. In addition, resources also include specially ordered texts located in the University library, and details of specialist websites..
Textbooks
Johnson, M.L., Bengtson, V.L., Coleman, P.G. and Kirkwood, T.B.L. (Eds) (2005). The Cambridge Handbook of Age and Ageing. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Biggam, J. (2015). e-book: Succeeding with Your Master’s Dissertation: A Step-By-Step Handbook. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Denscombe, M. (2010). The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Jamieson, A. and C.R. Victor (2002). Researching Ageing and Later Life.. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Bell, J. (2010). Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Dannefer, D. and Phillipson, C. (eds) (2013). The SAGE Handbook of Social Gerontology. London: Sage.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 50% |
| Essay | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External