Family Relationships: Middle & Later Years
http://www3.uakron.edu/witt/midlater/midlater.html

7400:441/541-001 Fall, 2007
Meeting T/TH 3:15-4:30 pm Room 225 SHS

Email Prof. David Witt Office 215f SHS Phone: 972-6044
Office Hours: 30 minutes before and after class and by appointment

Prof. Witt's Home Page Relevant Web Links
Course Evaluations: http://www3.uakron.edu/witt/evalform.htm
Textbook: Walker, A., Manoogian-Odell M, McGraw, L., and White, D. (2001). Families in Later Life, Connections and Transitions. Pine Forge Press.
and Online Readings (see Course Outline below).

Course Description: A study of individual and family development in the middle and later years of life. The course will focus on demographic, economic, social, physical, and generational changes as well as relationships between and within families. The diversity of aging in society will also be examined by race, social class and gender.
Objectives:

To provide a description of the aging process using a life course perspective.
To describe the changes associated with middle and later life families, including, but not limited to demographics, economic, physical, social and relationship changes.
To examine social policies related to aging and their impact on families.
To review current literature and research related to a variety of topics concerning middle and later years.
To understand terminology used to describe various aspects of families in middle and and later years.

Grading: Your grade will consist of three take home essay-type examinations (100 points each), four article reviews (25 points each), and a term paper worth 150 points. In addition, up to 50 points for attendance points will be applied to your grade, bringing the total possible earned points to 600. Calculating your class average is done by dividing the number of points you've earned by 600. Letter grades will be assigned according to the university's standard grading system. Note that managing your time is your responsibility. The due dates for each assignment are listed on the course outline below. Mark your calendars and give yourself plenty of lead time in order to turn assignments in by their due date.

Examinations: There will be three (3) examinations of 100 points each. Each examination will cover the material presented in class, in online notes for the class, and in the textbook. Examinations are online and accessible here -> Exam 1 Exam 2 with notes Exam 3

Article Reviews: (4) @ 25 points per article review; Total: 100 points Students are expected to read four (4) professional publications on any topic relating to family relationships in middle and later years. The purpose of this assignment is to expose students to the professional literature which exists on a variety of topics concerning individual and family development, specifically in middle and later years. The articles selected should be from recently published (2000-2006), academic journals. Popular magazines, books, websites, and newspapers are not acceptable for this assignment. Your reviews will be graded using the Article Review Form found here. Copy the form, then enter your review information inthe appropriate place on the form. **Professional publications are academic research journals found in the library and through the library's electronic journal portal. Websites outside these parameters are not to be used for any assignments. Some examples of academic/research journals are: American Sociological Review, International Journal of Aging and Human Development, Aging, Gerontologist,Journal of Aging and Social Policy, Journal of Aging Studies, Journal of Applied Gerontology, Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, Journal of Family Issues, Journal of Women and Aging, Journal of Marriage and Family, Psychology &Aging, Social Problems, Social Science Quarterly, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, to name just a few.
Sample Article Review 1 Sample Article Review 2

Retirement Research Paper: Total 100 points. First - Using current research and information from professional publications (you may use the articles reviewed for this class as sources), discuss retirement trends and issues including demographic, economic, and housing issues, health, changes in retirement policy at state and federal levels, and any other issue effecting retirement. Second - select a retirement program, either public or private, and provide background information on the program selected. Examples may include Social Security, private pension plans, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, (OPERS), State Teachers Retirement System, (STRS), Individual Retirement Accounts, (IRA), etc. Point out the advantages and disadvantages of the program you select, discuss any recent program changes and the reasons for same, if known. Finally, discuss how the program you select may effect your decision as to when to retire and whether it may be necessary to supplement your income in order to do so. A short class presentation in the form of a group discussion of the paper will be required. The research paper should be kept to approximately ten (10) typewritten double spaced pages with at least ten (10) professional sources, Term papers will be graded using the following criteria found here,

Attendance: Regular attendance is expected and necessary. Students are expected to arrive on time for class and demonstrate respect for each other. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions and group activities. Students who participate in class and attend regularly will be rewarded with points (0-3 absences=50 points, 4=40, 5=30, 6=20, 7=10, 8 or more=0 points)

Course Outline / Assignment Due Dates:
I will be addng content to the course outline over the entire course. Be prepared to visit each week's topics
and assignments the weekend before classes the following Tuesday/Thursday

Week of Term	Textbook Reading	Online Notes / Fun Things	Written Assignment and Due Dates
Week 1		- Overview of Course - Theoretical Concerns - Home Cooking	Review the Textbook and make plans for term paper and article reviews.
Week 2	Introduction - pp. 1-12	- The Simple Life - Developing a Long Term Plan - Material World - Family Rituals	Continue to plan for end of the term
Week 3	Part I - Negotiating Ties With Young Adults - pp. 12-40	-66 ways to Save Money - How Inflation Works - Saving for Specific Things	Article Review 1 - Due by Thursday's Class
Week 4	Part I - Negotiating Ties With Young Adults - pp. 41-56	- Credit Card Issues - Reusing Vacations
Week 5	Part I - Negotiating Ties With Young Adults - pp. 41-56	- Values Attitudes and Goals	Exam 1 - Due in class by Thursday
Week 6	Part II - Connections Across Generations in Midlife - pp. 67-91	- Saving for the Future - Managing Time	Article Review 2 - Due by Thursday's Class Classmates Reviews Article Review 2
Week 7	Part II - Connections Across Generations in Midlife - pp. 67-91	- Communication -Managing Human Resources in the Family
Week 8	Part II - Connections Across Generations in Midlife - pp. 92-114	- Keeping the Family Record - Managing Work and Family
Week 9	Part III - Centrality of Intimacy in Later Life - pp. 115-145	- Arguing Effectively - The Cost of Television - Alternatives	Article Review 3 - Due by Thursday's Class Classmates Reviews Article Review 3
Week 10	Part III - Centrality of Intimacy in Later Life - pp. 115-145	- Love & Sexuality - Health Issues - Managing Environmental Resources	Exam 2 - Due in class by Thursday
Week 11	Part III - Centrality of Intimacy in Later Life - pp. 146-176	- Developing Life Skills in Coming Generations
Week 12	Part IV - Transitions at Work & at Home in Early Old Age - pp. 177-211	- Looking Toward Retirement	Article Review 4 - Due by Thursday's Class
Week 13	Part IV - Transitions at Work & at Home in Early Old Age - pp. 211-231	- Grandparenting - Skills - Games - Substitutions for Fishing
Week 14	Part V - Challenges and Possibilities in Later Life - pp. 233-261	- How to Maintain a Guitar - Paper Dolls	Retirement Research Paper Due by Thursday
Week 15	Part V - Challenges and Possibilities in Later Life - pp. 262-278	- Future Challenges - Avoiding Doomsday
Finals Week	Final Exam due by Thursday	Here's your final exam for downloading	Turn in or email attachment no later than Thursday of Finals Week

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Alien, K. R., Blieszner, R., & Roberto, K. A. (2000). Families in the middle and later years: A review and critique of research in the 1990s. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 62, 911-926.
Bee, H. (2000). The journey of adulthood (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Benokraitis, N. V. (2002). Marriages and families: Changes, choices, and constraints (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ-. Prentice Hall.
Bengston, V. L., Schaie, K. W., & Burton, L. (Eds.). (1994). Adult intergenerational relations: Effects of societal change. New York: Springer.
Binstock, R. H., & George, L. K. (Eds.). (2001). Handbook of aging and the social sciences (5th ed.). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
Blieszner, R., & Bedford, V. H. (Eds.). (1995). Aging and the family: Theory and research. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
Boss, P. G., Doherty, W. J., LaRossa, R. L., Schumm, W. R., & Steinmetz, S. K. (Eds.). (1993).
Sourcebook of family theories and methods: A contextual approach. New York: Plenum Press.
Bould, S., Sanborn, B., & Reif, L. (1989). Eighty-five plus: The oldest old. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Brubaker, T. H. (Ed.) (1990). Family relationships in later life (2nd ed.). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Brubaker, T. H. (Ed.) (1996). Vision 2010:Families & aging. Minneapolis: National Council on Family Relations.
Cicirelli, V. G. (1995). Sibling relationships across the life span. New York: Plenum Press. Connidis, I. A. (2001). Family ties & aging. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Cox, C. B. (Ed.) (2000). To grandmother's house we go and stay: Perspectives on custodial grandparents. New York: Springer.
Cox, H. G. (2001). Later life: The realities of aging (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Erikson, E. H., Erikson, J. M., & Kivnick, H. Q. (1986). Vital involvement in old age. New York: W. W. Norton.
Gottman, J. M. (1999). The seven principles for making marriage work. New York: Crown.
Hooyman, N. R., & Kiyak, H. A. (1999). Social gerontology: A multidisciplinary perspective. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Hoyer, W. J., & Roodin, P. A. (2003). Adult development and aging (5th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. Kivnick, H. Q. (1982). The meaning of grandparenthood. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Lamanna, M. A., & Riedmann, A. (2000). Marriages and families: Making choices in a diverse society (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Lemme, B. H. (1999). Development in adulthood (2nd ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Lopata, H. 2. (1996). Current widowhood: Myths and realities. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Course Outline: Family Relationships in Middle and Later Years (7400:390) 4
Markson, E. W., & Hollis-Sawyer, L. A. (Eds.). (2000). Intersections of aging: Readings in social gerontology. Los Angeles: Roxbury.
Newman, B. M., & Newman, P. R. (1999). Development through life: A psychosocial approach (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Papalia, D. E., Sterns, H. L., Feldman, R. D., & Camp, C. J. (2002). Adult development and aging (2nd ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Parasuraman, S., & Greenhaus, J. H. (Eds.). (1999). Integrating work and family: Challenges and choices for a changing world. Westport, CT: Praeger.
Price, S. J., McKenry, P. C., & Murphy, M. J. (2000). Families across time: A life course perspective. Los Angeles: Roxbury.
Rossi, A. S., & Rossi, P. H. (1990). Of human bonding: Parent-child relations across the life course. New York: Aldine de Gruyter.
Schaie, K. W., & Willis, S. L. (2002). Adult development and aging (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Schulz, R., & Salthouse, T. (1999). Adult development and aging: Myths and emerging realities (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Seccombe, K., & Warner, R. (in press). Marriages, families, and close relationships: The influence of gender, race and class. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Smith, D. B., & Moen, P. (1998). Spousal influence on retirement: His, her, and their perceptions. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 60, 734-744.
Walker, A. J., Manoogian-O'Dell, M., McGraw, L. A., & White, D. L. G. (2001). Families in later life: Connections and transitions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.