This course studies aging with special emphasis on later stages of the life cycle. The course includes theories of aging, historical and comparative settings, social policy, and future trends of aging. This course is a telecourse -- videotaped materials are integrated with various printed materials. The components include thirteen one-hour video programs, a text, a study guide, and some additional assignments planned by your instructor.

If you successfully complete this course, you will be able to analyze:

• Broaden your understanding of the field of Social Gerontology
  
  
• Learn about population trends
  
  
• Understand impact of aging on society
  
  
• Learn about social issues involved with old age
  
  
• Learn about the social issues involved with old age
  
  
• Learn about the processes of aging and old age as a stage of life
  
  
• Learn about the social theories of aging
  
  
• Learn about cross-cultural issues in aging

The required textbook and materials for this course are:

• Hooyman, Nancy R. and H. Asuman Kiyak. Social Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Perspective. 7th. ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2005
  
  
• Growing Old in a New Age Telecourse Study Guide, 5th ed.
  
  
• Thirteen videotapes -- Growing Old in a New Age -- Information about viewing video programs is
  provided in the Syllabus, in the section on TV/Video Programs and in the Broadcast Schedule.
  
  
• Course Guide for SOC 245 (includes assignments, information on exams and other course details)

Your course grade will be determined according to the following points:
 

* The lowest grade will be dropped for a total of 70 points.

There are 4 proctored exams in this course. You are expected to take your proctored exams at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect Empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking proctored exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

Email: dhaledjian@nvcc.edu
Telephone: (703) 323-3243

I do not have office hours, but you can contact me via e-mail at the address above. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard and email at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.