Professor Susan Krauss Whitbourne
9:30-10:45 am Tuesdays and Thursdays, Herter 231

WWW Site: http://people.umass.edu/swhitbo/psy365.html

Texts:
Whitbourne, S.K. (2005). Adult development and aging: Biopsychosocial perspective (2^nd Ed).  New York: Wiley, and Lecture Notes, also published by Wiley. Available as a package from the University Store.

Contact Information:

Professor Whitbourne: 611 Tobin Hall
Phone/Voice Mail: 545-4306
Email address: swhitbo@psych.umass.edu
Office hours: Thursdays 11am-12:30pm.

Allison Branch (Grad TA): 602 Tobin Hall
Phone: 545-0051

Email address: abranch@psych.umass.edu

Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-12pm.

Michael Vernon (Grad TA): 634 Tobin Hall

Phone: 545-1832

Email address: mvernon@psych.umass.edu

Office hours: Mondays 12-2pm.

Undergraduate TA’s

COURSE OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this course is to provide an orientation to aging processes in adulthood and later life.  Students will be introduced to basic theoretical models, research methods, and current information on the psychology of adulthood and aging and shown how these concepts can be applied to understanding and helping older adults. In keeping with this course's General Education "Diversity" designation (SBD), the course will also focus on the particular concerns of racial and ethnic minorities and the issue of “Ageism” as a form of discrimination in our society.  A one-credit service learning option is available to provide students with hands-on experiences in working with older adults.

COURSE PROCEDURES

Readings

Readings are assigned from the required text.  Students will be expected to follow along with the reading from the text according to the Course Schedule outlined below.  The Lecture Notes are not intended to replace the required text readings.

Academic Honesty

All students are expected to adhere scrupulously to the University policy concerning academic honesty, which is found in “Undergraduate Rights and Responsibilities” and at the web http://www.umass.edu/dean_students/rights/acad_honest.htm. Any violations of the academic honesty policy will be vigorously pursued.

Web Site

This is a WebCT course.  To get you started, the web site (http://people.umass.edu/swhitbo/psy365.html) contains the syllabus, updated office hours, and other information.  This web site also contains many interesting links to aging-related sites.  Web links referred to in the text can be found on the Wiley page for the book: (http://he-cda.wiley.com/WileyCDA/HigherEdTitle/productCd-047145821X.html). Once the course begins, the WebCT site will be used for all official announcements, updates, and assignments. You can also use the "discussions" page to submit questions of general interest to others in the course and to offer suggestions and comments. We would prefer that you use the WebCT email to ask specific questions about your grade or any problems you have. Communication on WebCT email can be viewed only by the professor and the grad TA's.

Class Attendance

Discussions in class of the assigned readings are an important part of the learning process for this course, and the examinations will reflect these class discussions accordingly.  During class, please follow ordinary conventions of good manners and courtesy during the lectures and discussions.  The class begins promptly at 9:30 am and ends exactly at 10:45 am, so plan to arrive on time and stay until the class is formally ended for the day.

Examinations (100 points each, for 300 points total)

All examinations are made up of 50 multiple-choice questions.  There will be 3 in-class examinations, each worth 100 points.  These examinations are not cumulative; that is, they only cover the material immediately preceding each one.  There will be no make-up dates for any of these in-class examinations.  There will be a cumulative final given during finals week.  This final is optional and can be used as a make-up for one missed in-class examination, or to replace a poor grade on a previous examination.

Concept Quizzes on WebCT (CQ) (100 points total)

There are 20 WebCT assignments, called “Concept Quizzes,” one for each class period (not including review sessions). The assignments are due on the dates indicated on the WebCT site and the Course Schedule. Each assignment is worth 5 points, meaning that the maximum points you will receive for all assignments is 100 toward your final grade. The points per assignment will be scaled using the following cutoffs for percent correct: 0-20%= 0; 20-60%= 2; 60-80%= 4; 80-100%= 5. 

Aging Behavior Check List (ABCL) (50 points total)

One of the WebCT assignments requires you to observe the behavior of older adults and record your observations. The assignment involves two parts. For Part 1, which is due on February 15, you will print out the sheet of paper on WebCT, and use it to write down your observations of older adults in at least 10 everyday situations. After these responses are collated, you will then be given Part 2 of the assignment, which will be due one month after it is posted on WebCT. For Part 2, you will again observe the behavior of older adults, but this time, using the preset categories. Each part of the assignment is worth 25 points.

Discussion Groups (100 points total)

There are two types of discussion groups, outlined below. Each discussion group will complete a final project, consisting of a poster to be presented in class on May 3. The poster will summarize your discussion group's work over the semester.

In-person Discussion Groups:

Discussion groups led by undergraduate teaching assistants will be held on a weekly basis.  If you are in Service Learning, these groups are mandatory. If you are not in Service Learning, you can fulfill your discussion group requirement by attending one of these groups. Grading criteria for Service Learning students can be found below, under "Guidelines for Service Learning." Grading criteria for non-Service Learning students is as follows: 75 points for attendance (7.5 points per week) and 25 points for contributing to the f inal project. If you must miss a week, you must notify your TA and makeup any missed work from that week. The discussion group schedule is posted on the WebCT home page for the course.

Online Discussion Groups:

The online discussion groups are where you can contribute to virtual discussions on a variety of topics relevant to the course. Weekly postings will be worth 10 points each. To receive full credit, the postings must be at least "one screen" long. You can certainly provide short replies as often as you like, but at least one of the entries per week must be in depth. Include support  for your points , your  relevant  personal experience , and anything from the lecture or text that might apply to the current topic.   Try your hardest to respond to other postings as well as offering your own suggestions. The goal of the on-line discussion groups is to keep the thoughts flowing, much in the same manner as a live discussion occurs. At the end of the semester, your group will collaborate online to prepare a poster summarizing your semester's work that will be presented on May 3. 

Extra Credit (30 points maximum)

An extra credit opportunity will be described in class, and involves completion of several questionnaires related to the topics covered in the course. We will not be using the Psychology Department Human Subjects credit system for this class unless otherwise announced.  Note: In order to receive extra credit, you must take 3 exams, complete 80% of the CQ’s, 80% of the Discussion Group meetings, and complete the ABCL. In other words, extra credit cannot be used to make up for missed assignments in another component of the course.

Course Grade

The course grade will be based on the total number of points received on 3 examinations worth 100 points each, 50 points for the Aging Behavior Check List, and 100 points each for the CQ’s and discussions, with a maximum of 550 for the course.

The following scale will be used in calculating final course grades:

All questions about grades and grading policies will be handled through the WebCT email system.

Service Learning Option

Students who wish to gain practical experience in working with older adults may elect to register for one additional credit of Service Learning.  Students who complete Service Learning will be graded on a scale of 100 points comparable to the scale listed above (i.e. 93% and above for an “A”, etc.). Service Learning involves a commitment to complete 30 hours of community service work during the semester (3 hours a week for 10 weeks).  Students who choose this option will be required to keep a record of hours and a journal, and at the end of the semester obtain from the agency supervisor a written acknowledgement of their work.  Allison Branch (Grad TA) will help students make arrangements with local agencies. In addition to completing the community service, students will be expected to attend a weekly one hour discussion group designed specifically for students working at that agency.  The necessary paperwork must be turned in during class on FEBRUARY 8, discussion groups begin on FEBRUARY 7, and the community service will begin on the week of FEBRUARY 14. The final report will be due by class time on MAY 10.  Students who complete the service learning option will be expected to make a group presentation in class on May 3, which will count toward 25% of the project grade.

STUDENTS WHO WISH TO ENROLL IN SERVICE LEARNING MUST ADD COURSE SCHEDULE #18928 ON SPIRE BY THE END OF ADD/DROP.

See guidelines for Service Learning at the end of this syllabus.

*Discussion groups include students in Service Learning ONLY.

GUIDELINES FOR SERVICE LEARNING

The Service Learning Component of the course involves conducting weekly visits at an agency providing services for older adults.  Students are required to meet in a weekly discussion group, turn in a weekly journal, write a brief final report, and participate in a student presentation.

The following procedures must be followed to enroll in service learning:

1.        Register via SPIRE for the Service Learning Honors  Colloquium (#18928).

2.        Complete a Service Learning Contract form (available from Allison Branch).

3.        Contact the agency at which service learning will be completed. The following 3 agencies are the suggested sites. 

      The Arbors at Amherst  (an Assisted Living Facility)

130 University Drive

Amherst MA 01002

Contact Betsy at 413-548-6800

Amherst Center for Extended Care (a skilled nursing facility)

150 University Drive

Amherst MA 01002

Contact Beth Jones at 413-256-8185 ext.3017. NOTE: You will need proof of a TB test before beginning service here so you must get a card from University Health Services to show as documentation.

Town of Amherst Senior Center

Bangs Community Center

70 Boltwood Walk

Amherst MA 01002

Contact Nancy Pagano or Maura Plant at 256-4057

4.        Obtain the necessary signatures from the agency on the Service Learning Contract form, and submit it to the Graduate TA no later than class time on February 15.  Students will also receive Community Service Learning Student and Community Partner Information Sheets that accompany the contract. The Community Partner Information sheet should be given to the supervisor on the first day of service.

5.        Discussion groups start on the week of February 7. You will be assigned to a group on the basis of the schedule you submit on the Project Interest Form handed out in class.  They will meet once a week at the same time every week in a location to be announced.