Syllabus

Master of Social Work

Aging and Health – SSW 635

Credits - 3

Description

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of gerontological social work with emphasis on principles of practice, application of research, and the formulation of policies as they relate to older adults. The course will define the role of the social worker from a gerontological perspective. It will introduce students to special populations that are most vulnerable.

This course is grounded in a biopsychosocial perspective. The course will examine what services and resources are available to the older adult in their own homes, and in community and residential settings, and how policy at all levels influence the development and delivery of services.

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

School of Social Work Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

1. Practice social inclusion to enable people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society, enhance human bonds in the context of cultural diversity and ensure improved quality of life and equitable resource distribution. EPAS Competencies 2 & 3
2. Engage in culturally-informed relationship building, being respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances. EPAS Competencies 3 & 6
3. Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments. EPAS Competency 8
4. Promote ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based in social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. EPAS Competency 1
5. Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources. EPAS Competencies 2, 5, & 6
6. Engage as critical consumers and producers of research as it relates to assessment, intervention and evaluation of clinical and community practices. EPAS Competencies 4, 7, 8 & 9
7. Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings. EPAS Competency 6

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Implement a biopsychosocial framework to more completely understand issues and concerns inherent in aging. 
2. Investigate myths and stereotypes related to aging and to increase knowledge about healthy aging. 
3. Describe normal physiological changes and the impact of illness on individuals and their families. 
4. Articulate the various mental health challenges elders may experience. 
5. Identify the continuum of services available in the community and in residential settings. 
6. Develop a framework to justify professional decisions based on the ethical and legal issues relevant to gerontology.

Assignments

Learning Activities

A variety of learning activities are designed to support the course objectives, facilitate different learning styles, and build a community of learners. Learning activities for each module include the following: 

Readings and Multimedia:

This course will use a wide array of readings and multimedia. There are two textbooks for this course (one required and one suggested). These will be supplemented with articles and literature providing a more complex and in-depth examination of the themes and issues within the modules. Visual materials will be used in the form of PowerPoint slides as well as short film clips from a variety of sources. The readings and media resources provide the foundation and background for student discussion threads, and written assignments. 

Discussions:

Description: An important learning method in this course is student participation and interaction in the discussion threads within each module. Students are expected to participate actively and in a respectful manner. Please refer to Course Policies about participation for a full discussion of expectations. 

Grading and Feedback Method: Grading and feedback methods are listed with each specific discussion assignment. Please refer to the Learning Modules and Discussion Boards for more information.

Writing Assignments, Projects and Assessments:

Description: You will complete three major independent assignments in this course. All the assignments will require that you venture out into the world to observe, interview, gather information, and make assessments and conclusions based on your observations and findings. In Weeks 1–6, you will create a Reflective Journal in addition to these items.

Due Dates: Due dates for all learning activities are provided in the “Course Schedule.”

Grading Policy

The School of Social Work uses the following grading system for all courses with the exception of field education courses. Students are expected to maintain a “B” (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to receive their Master’s Degree.

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Assignments	Point Value	Percentage of Grade
Participation (Discussions)	50 points per week, 400 pts total	40%
Reflective Journals	35 points per week (1-6), 210 points total	21%
Observation of Older Adults Paper	105 points	10.5%
Interview of an Older Adult Paper	215 points	21.5%
Community Inventory Assignment	70 points	7%
Total	1000 points	100%

Grade Scale

Grade	Points Grade	Point Average (GPA)
A	94 – 100%	4.00
A-	90 – 93%	3.75
B+	87 – 89%	3.50
B	84 – 86%	3.00
B-	80 – 83%	2.75
C+	77 – 79%	2.50
C	74 – 76%	2.00
C-	70 – 73%	1.75
D	64 – 69%	1.00
F	00 – 63%	0.00