READINGS:

1. eTEXT: Social Psychology of Aging (provided on the web)
2. A packet of readings (mailed to you) or available at the Psychology Department

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 aging.

GRADING:
 

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS (8 @ 40 POINTS EACH) = 320
As part of this course, you will receive 8 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 (i.e., about 4-5 double-spaced pages) will earn consistently high marks.

EXAMS (4 @ 40 POINTS EACH) = 160
There will be four exams. All exams are essay and require you to integrate the readings and eTEXT. Each exam will consist of 4 questions. Each exam is worth 40 points. The exams are NOT cumulative. Although the exams are conceptually "open book" the exams will only be on-line for 48 hours. The window of time that the exam is available should not be the first time that you have read the materials. Thus, it is important to work on the writing assignments and eTEXT responses BEFORE you take the exam for a particular section. Doing so will more than prepare you to take the exams in the allotted time period.

eTEXT RESPONSES (20 POINTS FOR EACH TOPIC) = 200
Embedded in the eText for each topic or at the end of each topic will be questions about the material (these questions will be in the text in red). These questions will be "short answer" questions that you can send through email. 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. Also, grading will be all or none. That is, to get any points you must provide an answer to ALL the questions for that topic.

eCHECK (8 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.

eOFFICE HOURS sfmade@ark.ship.edu
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 if he or she wishes.

INTERACTION AMONG STUDENTS
I encourage interaction among students in this course. This is a good way to get with each other to talk about the readings, assignments, etc. Although I don't provide chat rooms or bulletin boards, one technique is through email. When you fill out the student information form there will be a place on this form indicating to me that it is ok for me to give your email address to the other students in the course. If you don't wish to provide your email address to others, that's ok too. Just indicate that on the form.

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 this calendar to the eTEXT and the Assignments at any time you like. You can use this calendar as your guide through the course. Remember the exams will only come on-line at the end of a section and will be on-line for 48 hours. In addition, a link will be available on the course home page that provides the same information on a week by week basis.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
If you require special accomodations as outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (1991) please contact the Office of Social Equity (717-477-1161).