Special Topics in Psychology (350-0-2)

Topic

Adult Development & Aging

Instructors

Daniel Mroczek
312/503-7718
633 N. St. Clair, 19th Floor
Office Hours: Monday 12-2 pm

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 215: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

The number of older adults in the world is growing rapidly due to lengthening life expectancy and more effective treatments for diseases that in the past cut lives short at age 50 or younger. Scientists who study human development (e.g., developmental biologists, developmental psychologists, life-course sociologists) have primarily studied children. However, recent decades have witnessed much greater understanding of the profound changes that occur in adulthood and late life. This class will examine a number of key issues in the area of adult development and aging. While we will draw mainly on studies from the social and behavioral sciences, we will take an interdisciplinary approach and consider biological and biomedical studies as well.

Learning Objectives

1. Students will master basic facts relating to biological, psychological, social, demographic, and biomedical aspects of adult development and the aging process.
2. Students will understand the key tenets of lifespan developmental theory, in addition to selected specific theories of aging, especially theories covering biological, psychological, and social aspects theories of adult development and aging.
3. Students will be able to describe many aspects of adult development over the lifespan and define the importance of scientific and scholarly research on adult development and aging.

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Prerequisites apply, see description

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for Psychology students.