Psychology of Aging

Yasuyuki GONDO (Graduate School of Human Sciences)

Cource Objective
   The aim of this course is for students to acquire a basic knowledge to understand psychological aspects relevant to older people and life span developmental theories of psychology.

Course Content
   Week 1. Orientation and Course Outline
   Week 2. Framework of psychology of aging
   Week 3. Cognitive aging 1; intelligent
   Week 4. Cognitive aging 2; aging in basic cognitive functions
   Week 5. Cognitive aging 3; higher level functions
   Week 6. Cognitive aging 4; Brain aging and cognitive aging
   Week 7. Cognitive aging 5; Theories of cognitive aging
   Week 8. Social aspect of aging1; Living environment of older people
   Week 9. Social aspect of aging2; Life course perspective
   Week 10. Social aspect of aging3; Theories of social aging
   Week 11. Emotion and aging 1; Negative aspects
   Week 12. Emotion and aging 2; Positive aspects
   Week 13. Emotion and aging 3; Theories of psychological well-being
   Week 14. Psychology of aging in the oldest old and the centenarian.
   Week 15. Examination

Textbooks
   There is no textbook required for this course; the lecturer will provide handouts and copies of readings. Nevertheless, the following text books are recommended for further study

Grading Policy

• Class participation and homework assignments 50%
• Activities in a class 10%
• Final exam 40%