Developmental Psychology: Adulthood & Aging

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
PSYC 3322
Discontinued
No
Course Code
PSYC 3322
Descriptive
Developmental Psychology: Adulthood & Aging
Department
Psychology
Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
201920
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
35
Contact Hours
Lecture 4 hours per week/semester
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities

The course will involve a number of instructional methods, such as the following:

  • lectures
  • small group discussions
  • demonstrations
  • presentations
  • video content
Course Description
In this course, students will examine theory and research on age-related changes in adult physiology, sensory and perceptual abilities, cognition, memory, social relationships, social cognition, personality, and mental and physical health. Current changing age-related demographics and their implications will be presented. The course will explore methods and findings within the psychology of aging, with an emphasis on optimal aging. Stereotypes and attitudes toward older individuals, as well as their effects, will also be discussed.
Course Content

Introduction to aging

Definitions of aging.

Changing age trends in Canada and globally.

Implications of demographic changes.

Theoretical shifts from decline models to optimal aging.

Ageism and discrimination.

 

Research methods

Descriptive research.

Correlational research.

Experimental research.

Cross-sectional, longitudinal, and sequential research.

Issues and debates in developmental psychology.

 

Changes in physiology

Physical appearance.

Circulation.

Endocrine system.

Brain.

Immune system.

Theorizing the causes of age-related change.

 

Sensory and perceptual abilities

Vision.

Hearing.

Taste, smell, and touch.

 

Cognition

Information processing.

Problem-solving.

Intelligence.

Expertise.

Wisdom.

 

Memory

Attention.

Short-term memory.

Long-term memory.

Problems with retrieval.

 

Life changes

Work and retirement.

Living arrangements.

Elder abuse.

Social interaction.

 

End-of –life

Death and dying.

Bereavement and loss.

Integrity vs. Despair.

Gerotranscendence.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course the successful student will be able to:

  1. Describe the research methods used by developmental psychologists, particularly in psychology of aging.
  2. Describe and explain physiological and health changes in adulthood and aging.
  3. Describe and explain how sensory and perceptual abilities change over adulthood.
  4. Describe and explain age-related changes in adult memory and cognition.
  5. Describe and explain how social relationships change and endure in adulthood and aging.
  6. Describe and explain age-related changes in adult social cognition.
  7. Describe and explain age-related changes and consistencies in adult personalities.
  8. Describe and explain mental health issues pertinent to aging.  
  9. Analyze the implications of aging and attitudes toward aging and older individuals.
Means of Assessment

The course evaluation will be in accordance with Douglas College and Psychology Department policies. Evaluations will be based on the course objectives. The specific evaluation criteria will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the semester.

An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:

2 Midterm Exams                  50%

Final Exam                           20%

Presentation                         15%

Written Essay                       15%

Total                                  100%

Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:

Textbook(s) such as the following, the list to be updated periodically:

Cavanaugh, J. C., Blanchard-Fields, F., & Norris, J. E. (2008). Adult development and aging (Canadian

          Ed.). Scarborough, Canada: Nelson Thompson Learning.

Prerequisites

PSYC 1100 AND PSYC 1200