Coming of Age and Growing Old in the 21st Century (205-0-20)

Instructors

Sneha Kumar

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall 303: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course introduces students to sociological and life course perspectives on adulthood and aging. It focuses on how sociohistorical context, social location or category, and early life conditions influence individuals' pathways to adulthood and old age. The first half of this course looks at what it means to come of age today. We will study why the traditional markers of adulthood - leaving home, completing education, being financially independent, getting married, and having children - have become increasingly delayed and disrupted, and briefly consider the consequences of deviating from the "standard" life course. We will pay specific attention to how social factors (e.g., immigration status, gender and sexuality, race, class) shape young people's transitions to these stages of adult life. The second half of this course looks at what it means to grow old and age healthily. We will look at the significance of social and intergenerational relationships for older people's health and wellbeing, work/retirement and social integration, and end-of-life issues. While the course predominantly focuses on the United States, we will also draw on empirical findings from other regions across the globe (particularly Asia).

Learning Objectives

Understand core concepts and methods of the life course perspective.
Understand how social forces influence individuals' transitions through stages of adult life.
Gain knowledge about social inequalities in adulthood and old age.
Apply life-course and sociological concepts to analyze real-world adulthood and aging issues.
Communicate effectively in various formats, including in-class discussions, group presentations, short essays, and interview analysis.

Class Materials (Required)

All readings for the course will be made available on the Canvas course website. If you are unable to access or find the reading on Canvas, enter the article or chapter title in NU Library search and you should be able to find a downloadable or online read-only copy. You are expected to complete assigned readings for the day before coming to class.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-Registration -- Reserved for SESP Students until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites, if applicable. Antirequisite: Students cannot enroll in and receive credit for both HDC 205-0 and SESP 251-0, "Coming of Age and Growing Old."