Linking the Generations, Communication, Aging and Society

Students will engage with older adults to complete a variety of life history projects. Students will address their assumptions and stereotypes toward the aging population and will reflect upon personal barriers and successes in the intergenerational communication process. Communication issues will be addressed in the areas of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intercultural communication. In addition to the community work, the course will focus on interdisciplinary discussions, lectures, and activities to increase awareness of the older population. This is an evening course with travel to off campus site and a background check required. Fingerprinting also may be required. Contact instructor (teachcin16@hotmail.com) upon registration to complete paperwork prior to start date. Processing can delay work in the community.

Course Learning Objectives:
1. To realize the importance of communication across generations.
2. To address and analyze personal assumptions and stereotypes of aging.
3. To apply the different contexts and issues of communication to the aging process.
4. To apply theory and course concepts to meet the needs of the community.
5. To explore and connect the student's discipline's perspective on aging.
6. To reflect on student's experience in the community.