Social Aging and Policy-making for the Elderly
2013-2014 - MGE4021 - 15 ECTS

On the basis of

MGE4001 Introduction to Gerontology

Expected learning outcomes

Within knowledge:

The student

• can apply knowledge about main features concerning the living conditions of the elderly in today's Norwegian society
• can discuss knowledge about the role of the elderly in working life, plans for retirement and retirement rights
• can discuss knowledge about the most important areas where the elderly constitute a resource in society and in family life
• can apply and discuss knowledge about the structure of, the financing of and the function of the most important welfare services the elderly make use of

Within skills:
The student

• can apply the most important theories about social aging in one's own professional practice and discuss the most important terminology in life course research
• can apply knowledge about demographic conditions in aging societies nationally and internationally, and discuss how these constitute new frames for life course and family life and challenge the society's use of resources
• can understand and apply knowledge about questions of management and administrative challenges of special importance for work with and for the elderly

Within general competence:
The student

• can contribute actively in the discussion of the most important aims and means in today's policy-making for the elderly

Topic(s)

Demography and population trends;
Aging in a global perspective
Theories about social aging
Life course and role changes, the third and the fourth ages
Living conditions of the elderly
Attitudes and perceptions of the elderly, ageism
The elderly as a resource
Work, retirement and retirement behavior
Old age pensions and pension reform
Health and care services for the elderly
Relevant welfare technology
Main elements of policy-making for the elderly
Administration and management in the domain of the elderly
Innovation

Important research methods within the field of social aging

Teaching Methods

Essay
Lectures
Group works
E-learning
Net Support Learning
Meeting(s)/Seminar(s)
Tutoring
Other

Teaching Methods (additional text)

MGE4021 (Module 3) starts with a joint session for all students where time schedule and working requirements will be discussed for MGE4021 (Module 3) and appointments will be made for when the different groups are to meet.
Student groups from MGE4011 will be continued. Resource lectures connected to topics in MGE4021 (Module 3) will be given, and students will receive study assignments connected to these topics (see "Obligatory work requirements"). Later, students will also receive computer-based resource lectures. The rest of the study material will be studied via individual studies of literature and groupwise/computer- based discussion forums.
Underway, tutoring for the essay will be given.

Form(s) of Assessment

Essay

Form(s) of Assessment (additional text)

The student writes an essay of 4000 words connected to one of the topics in MGE4021 (Module3).

Assessment criteria are:
•       A precise research question
•       Professional understanding
•       Clear precision of language/Clarity
•       Logical structure
•       Ethical reflections
•       Conclusions based on documentation in the text

Both the essay and the pedagogical presentation at the seminar are to be included in the portfolio.

Grading Scale

Alphabetical Scale, A(best) – F (fail)

External/internal examiner

Internal examiner

Re-sit examination

A new essay must be presented for assessment in agreement with the course coordinator

Coursework Requirements

Obligatory work requirements:

1. Each student group works on the study assignments connected to the main topics in the lectures (see "Pedagogical methods").
2. Towards the end of MGE4021 (Module 3) there will be arranged for a computer-based seminar where the student groups will present key course material to each other connected to the study assignments they have worked on.
3. The groups will evaluate each other in relation to professional content and pedagogical presentation.
4. Participation in tutoring for the essay

Additional information

Course coordinator:
Professor Tor Inge Romøren