PSYC 324:  Psychology of Aging
Fall 2006, Virginia Norris, Ph.D.
All dates are subject to change.
Announcements in class supersede internet material. 

THIS SYLLABUS AND ASSOCIATED PAGES ARE NOT UP-TO-DATE FOR FALL 2006.  THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEXT IS ACCURATE.

 


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Instructor: Virginia Norris
Office Location: 338 SCO
Office Phone: 688-4915
Office Fax 605-688-6754
Office e-mail: Virginia.Norris@sdstate.edu
Web Page SDSU: Academics - Virginia Norris: Psychology: Faculty and Staff Main Page
Office Hours: MW 2:00-3:00, TTh 10:00-11:00, and by appointment
Class Hours: MWF 11:00-11:50
Class Location:  
Course Objectives and Methodology

The primary objective of this course is to provide the student with an overview of research and theory on the psychological issues involved in normal and non-normal aging.  After completion of the course the student should understand the factors involved in normal aging and in non-normal aging and be able to identify interventions to prevent or alleviate the physical, psychological, and social effects associated with these factors.

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Time Requirements
It is expected that you will devote three (3) hours each week per credit hour. This is a 3-credit course, ergo, you are expected to devote nine (9) hours per week on work related to this course. Three hours will be devoted to classroom work. Classes will involve lectures, media presentations, and discussions focused on presenting and understanding the concepts relevant to the psychological aspects of aging. The remaining six (6) hours will be devoted to reading materials and participating in exercises selected to elucidate these aspects. Assignments for the semester are on the assignments page. Students are expected to have read the material and completed the assigned exercises before coming to class.

Examinations: not up-to-date
 

Chapter Quizzes (10 points per quiz, total = 120 points):  There will be 12 weekly multiple choice exams.  These will be completed outside class.  They are on WebCT.   There are 10 questions for each quiz.  You may take each quiz twice.  Your highest grade will be recorded.  Each quiz is timed.  You will have 15 minutes for the quiz--this is one minute per question plus 5 minutes for the test.  Be very careful not to exceed the time as the program will not report your grade in that case.  If you have a problem, send me an email immediately.  I am willing to work with you to overcome any problems, particularly early in the semester.  WebCT sends your score to the gradebook as soon as you submit the exam.  You can view your grades on your personal gradebook in WebCT at any time. A lockdown browser is used for the quizzes.  This means that you cannot print the questions.  You must prepare your computer for use with this browser.  Directions and a sample quiz are available on the course homepage under “Lockdown Browser Instructions.”  All quizzes must be completed before the essay exams for the associated chapter.  See the Course Schedule for dates.  These also are indicated in the My Quizzes icon on the course homepage.

Essay Exams on Lecture (50 points per exam, total = 100): There will be two in-class essay exams.  These exams cover class materials and outside readings for each section. You may bring one 8x10 page with notes on the front and the back to each exam.  Your scores will be posted ASAP in your personal gradebook on WebCT.  Optional Final Exam:  A comprehensive final exam of  essay questions worth 50 points will be given on Wednesday, December 15, from 9:00-10:40.  THE FINAL EXAM IS NOT REQUIRED.  You may substitute your final exam grade for your lowest regular exam grade (the two highest grades will be retained).  If you miss one exam, the final exam will be the makeup.  If you miss more than one exam, you may take a makeup for the subsequent exam.  If  you have a University-excused absence, I will arrange for you to take the exam on your trip.  See me at least one week before the exam to make arrangements. 

Projects:
Two projects are required.  Each is worth 25 points (total  50).  These are designed to help you understand the material presented in class. Further information is available on the assignments page.

Activity Points: not up-to-date
There are nine in-class activities each worth 5 points.  Six are required for a total of 30 points.  You may earn 5 bonus points for each activity beyond the first six (possible 15 points).  If you miss the class you cannot make up the points allocated to class participation, but you can hand in your completed worksheet and, if it is acceptable, receive 2 points.


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SYLLABUS
Text
 
Erber, Joan T. (2005).  Aging and older adulthood.  Belmont, CA:  Thomson

      Wadsworth.

ISBN:  0-534-35636-2
For almost every chapter there is a reading that is available on the web.  The Links page has the URLs and links to these readings.  Assignments for each chapter are listed on the assignments page.
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Grading

Your final grade is based on a total of  420 points. not up-to-date

     

    120

    		 from the Chapter pretests

    120

    		 from the Chapter quizzes
    100
    		 from the two exams
    50
    		 from the two projects
    30
    		 from the activities
Letter grades will be assigned on the following basis:
     
    A = 
    		  378-420 points
    B = 
    		 336-377 points
    C = 
    		  294-335 points
    D = 
    		  252-293 points
    F = 
    		  251 and below

Attendance:  The Dean of the College expects that you will attend class on a regular basis.  Repeated absences will affect your grade.

Conduct

The University Student Conduct Policy is followed for this class. This Code is found in the Student Policies Manual available in the President’s Office, the office of every dean, the University Police Department, and at the reserve desk of Brigg's Library.  An overview of the code is found at this link.  The Coordinator for Judicial Affairs (Phone: 688-47388, office: Young Hall) is available to answer questions. 

We follow the SDSU Academic Policy.

If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please inform me and make the appropriate arrangements with the Office of Disability Services (ODS).  The Office of Disability Services is located in 110 West Hall.  To schedule an appointment call (605) 688-4504 and request to speak with Nancy L. Schade the Coordinator of Disability Services.

Last Update:  Friday, July 21, 2006


Published by PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT, South Dakota State University
Virginia_Norris@sdstate.edu  

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