PSY6442 - Psychology of Ageing

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate theory and research into the ageing process
2. Demonstrate a critical appreciation of methodological issues associated with the study of ageing
3. Identify key psychological issues in the study of ageing and critically discuss their significance for understanding age-related processes of change
4. Apply a range of psychological perspectives to understanding contemporary issues relevant to ageing
5. Debate current issues in the field

Content:

The content of this module is designed to encourage a broad and critical understanding of key issues in the psychology of ageing.

Topics include:
An introduction to the psychology of ageing (exploring the key behavioural and social science theories, concepts and methods, incorporating developments in theory and research from international and interdisciplinary perspectives)
The biology of ageing
Changes in cognitive abilities in normal ageing
Lifespan development
Research methods employed in the study of ageing
Ageing, Personality and Lifestyle
Social Psychology of Ageing
Meanings of ageing and old age: discursive contexts, social attitudes and personal identities
Culture, gender and ethnicity
Death, dying, and bereavement
Ageing into the future.
The emphasis is on challenging assumptions, assessing implications and questioning the conclusions drawn.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures(including tutorial discussions, directed reading, augio-visual material)

The module will be taught by two hour interactive lecture sessions. The use of the VLE (Moodle) is essential and will provide access to supplementary material and module guidance.

Lectures
Contact Hours: 32
Number of Groups: 1

Workshops
Contact Hours: 8
Number of Groups:1

Assessment: