Instructors:
John Pynoss, Ph. D.
E-mail: jpynoos@aol.com
 
Syllabus (PDF)
Spring 2007

This is an important time to study aging policy. The number of elderly Americans increased by 107 percent between 1960 and1998. Their numbers are expected to more than double again between 1995 and 2050. No one can predict exactly how the society will be affected by this aging of the population, however it is likely that public and private costs will increase. Meanwhile policy makers, faced with a growing emphasis on cost containment, are being asked to re-examine the nature and scope of government's social welfare role. What policy course should they chart to meet the challenges of an aging society? And how will the various options affect current and future generations of older adults, their families and the professionals serving them? This course will introduce theoretical models of the policy process, and examine the history and development of policies for older persons. It is anticipated that students will develop the critical thinking skills required to evaluate existing age-based policies and proposals for change.

This course will:

1. Introduce students to social, political, and economic issues and changes resulting from the aging of society
2. Describe the historical development and content of key legislative and governmental programs developed for older adults, including Social Security Act, Older Americans Act, Medicare, etc.
3. Help students examine different points of view and develop skills in critical thinking through which they can analyze policies and policy making to form their own perspectives
4. Help students develop ability to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and trade-offs inherent in current age-based policy
5. Provide students experience accessing, evaluating and using online sources of policy materials.