1. eTEXT: Social Psychology of Aging by Scott F. Madey (provided on BlackBoard)
2. Electronic Reserve Readings (http://eres.lib.ship.edu)
   

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

This course integrates theories in social psychology with issues in aging. Upon completion of this course you should be familiar with topics relevant to a social psychology of aging, be able to think critically about research related to a social psychology of aging, and be able to express your own thoughts about important issues in the social psychology of aging.

GRADING:
 

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS (3 @ 40 POINTS EACH) = 120
As part of this course, you will receive 3 writing assignments each worth 40 points. These writing assignments are designed to get you to think about certain issues in social psychology and aging. The grading of your answers will be based on how well you express your own thoughts about each issue and how well you integrate information from the eText, websites, and from the readings. Therefore, thoughtful, well-organized essays of substance (about 6 double-spaced pages) will earn consistently high marks.

eQUESTION RESPONSES (4 eQ assignments @ 50 POINTS EACH) = 200
Embedded in the eCHAPTERS for each topic or at the end of each topic will be questions about the material (these eQuestions will be in the text in red). There may be several questions but you will be able to select a certain number of these questions from the chapter to answer. The answers to these eQuestions should be well-integrated using information from text, websites, readings, and other sources (usually 5 pages per question). Before you send your answers to me make sure that you have answered all the questions for that particular topic. That way I don't get half the questions for that topic now and the other half later.

ATTENTION GRADUATE STUDENTS: The Graduate Council has required that Graduate Students who enroll in 400 level courses be required to do additional work (sorry folks, not my call). In addition to these assignments, graduate students please pick a topic of your choice in aging and provide 5 annotated references for the topic for 25 points (annotated references mean that you summarize each reference in your own words).

eCHECK (5 POINTS TOTAL)
In addition to the regular email and eOffice hours, I have provided an additional way for us to get to know each other. That is through an email message sent to me at least once per week. You can use this eCheck to tell me that everything is going well and that you are on track for the course, or you can also use this outlet to ask questions. But I ask that you send some type of message to me each week. You will receive an extra credit point added to your points for each eCheck you send in (5 extra credit points total). Please mark clearly in the subject heading of your email: ECHECK.

eOFFICE HOURS 
I will physically be in my office on the days and times listed at the top of this syllabus. That means, if you email me with questions or thoughts or just want to chat, I should be able to respond to you almost immediately. Naturally, you may email me anytime, however, keep in mind that I will probably not be able to respond immediately. Also, questions that students ask that are relevant to the course material and my responses will be posted to all students. It has been my experience that if one person asks a question it is probably the case that other students had the same question as well. Naturally, I maintain the anonymity of the person asking the question. I will also be in my office at those times if you wish to stop by. You can also meet with me by making an appointment.  

DEADLINES
All assignments are to be turned in on time. No extensions will be allowed except by written request to the instructor by a physician or Dean's office. No make-up exams will be given except by similar written request. Naturally, things happen that are beyond our control and any changes in deadlines and/or extensions will be handled on an individual basis. Any changes to the course that might be made during the semester will be announced well in advance.

COURSE CALENDAR
You can link from the course calendar to the eTEXT and to the Assignments at any time you like. You can use the course calendar as your guide through the course.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
If you require special accomodations as outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) please contact the Office of Disability Services (717-477-1364 or 1329).