Course credit
3 credit hours
Course description
Analysis of the factors affecting adult development and aging. Emphasis on physiological, cognitive, sensory, personality, and interpersonal changes occurring with age.
Delivery
This course is available in a web-based format, utilizing web pages and MyCourses, a computer conferencing program. MyCourses requires Internet access and a web browser — no additional software is required. Students may need access to someone who can assist with computer set-up.
Prerequisites
UNI students: 400:001; junior standing
Instructor
Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh, Assistant Professor of Family Studies and Gerontology
I have been a faculty member in the areas of family services and gerontology at UNI since 2006. I have a Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Studies from Iowa State (2005), and I also spent one year as a research post-doc at the University of Kansas. My aging-related research interests are depression and loneliness among older adult women who live alone and predictors of student interest in gerontology. I coordinate the gerontology major and minor, so if you are interesting in learning more about the major or minor, let me know! I live in Waterloo with my husband, who is working on his Ph.D. at Iowa State and teaching as an adjunct faculty member at UNI. We currently have three dogs and three cats. In my spare time, I enjoy running with my beagle mix (Murphy), swimming, UNI sports, and teaching fitness classes.
Evaluation
9 assignments, 1 additional assignment for graduate credit, 1 exam
Objectives
Students will be able to
Course Organization
Written Assignments:
Assignment 1 is and introduction to the course. Assignments 2 - 5 consists of answering questions and are each worth 20 points. Assignments 6 - 9 are reflections and projects completed by all students. Points for these vary. Assignment 10 is a final essay for graduate students only. It is worth 40 points.
I encourage you to contact me if you have questions and/or concerns. The best way to reach me is by email (Elaine.eshbaugh@uni.edu).
Final Exam:
An open book proctored final exam is completed after Assignment 9. The examination request form is included at the appropriate place in the Course Content.
Tips for succeeding in this course:
It is easy to lose motivation in an online course. Plan to log-in frequently. I recommend that you choose several times each week for your “class time.” Stick to these times! Shut your door and put up a note indicating that you are in class. Many students think that an online course is easier than a course that is taught face-to-face. However, online courses are sometimes more difficult because self-motivation becomes more important. Of course, the strength of an online course is that you can be more flexible with how you plan your time. Make no mistake though — succeeding in an online course will take a significant time commitment!
Grading
Please note that UNI Guided Independent Study requires that must complete all 13 assignments in order to pass the course!
| Assignment 1 | Introduction | 10 pts. |
| Assignment 2 | Chapters 1 & 5 | 20 pts |
| Assignment 3 | Chapters 6 & 7 | 20 pts. |
| Assignment 4 | Chapters 11 & 12 | 20 pts. |
| Assignment 5 | Chapters 8 & 9 | 20 pts. |
| Assignment 6 | Movie Reflection | 40 pts. |
| Assignment 7 | Interview Project | 60 pts. |
| Assignment 8 | Book Reflection | 60 pts. |
| Assignment 9 | Article Reflection | 20 pts. |
| Final Exam | 60 pts. | |
| Assignment 10 (Graduate Students) | 40 pts. | |
| Total points for undergraduate students: | 330 pts | |
| Total points for graduate students: | 370 pts | |
Grades:
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
59% and below F
(+ ‘s and – ‘s will be assigned at my discretion)
Academic Dishonesty: It goes without saying that you are expected to avoid plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Intentional academic dishonesty will result in an automatic “F” and possible referral to the Dean of Students office.
Textbook(s)
Papalia, D. E., Sterns, H. L., Feldman, R. D., & Camp, C. J. (2007). Adult Development and Aging. New York: McGraw-Hill.
You will also need to read ONE of the following books:
Vaillant, G. E. (2002). Aging well. New York: Little, Brown, & Company.
Snowdon, D. (2002). Aging with grace: What the nun study teaches us about leading longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives. New York: Bantam Books.
Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1998). Successful aging. New York: Pantheon Books.
Cohen, G. D. (2001). The creative age: Awakening human potential in the second half of life. New York: Harper Collins.
Texts are available from www.bookfinder.com
University Book and Supply carries most books used in guided independent study.
To search for textbooks by course, click on "Select a Campus Term" and select Univ.Northern Iowa - Guided Independent Study
Visit the store at 1009 West 23rd Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 319-266-7581 or 800-728-7581
Fax: 319-277-1266
E-mail: bookstore@panthersupply.com
To enroll
ONLINE
GIS enrollment information
IN PERSON
UNI Continuing and Distance Education
2637 Hudson Road (corner of 27th St. and Hudson Rd.)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0223
Campus map (Look for Building 31)
For more information
Cindy Klodt, Guided Independent Study
UNI Continuing and Distance Education
319-273-2123 or 800-772-1746
ContinuingEd@uni.edu