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Syllabus:

Social Work with Elderly, 15 Credits

Swedish name: Socialt arbete med äldre

This syllabus is valid: 2011-02-28 valid to 2012-09-02 (newer version of the syllabus exists)

Course code: 2SA037

Credit points: 15

Education level: Second cycle

Main Field of Study and progress level: Social Work: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Grading scale: Three-grade scale

Responsible department: Department of Social Work

Contents

The course deals with research which conceptualises experiences of aging and identity. Life after retirement entails changes in personal relationships and living conditions. The aging body and ideas of aging are problematised from a social perspective. Needs for social care, medical care and dependence are problematised from the experiences of both giver and receiver. Home, family, death and grief are examples of themes that are examined from the global to the local context. The role of the citizen focuses on the diverse and gendered conditions of aging. Social situations such as loneliness and vulnerability as well as poverty, addiction and violence are considered during the course. The course problematises fundamental theoretical categories such as gender, class, ethnicity and sexuality.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the student is expected to •Display in-depth knowledge of the conditions and underlying factors affecting social aging. •With the aid of theories, be able to critically examine, argue and relate to central terms such as identity, family, relationships, care, diversity and equality. •With the aid of these theories, be able to reflect on, as well as analyse, social work with the elderly. •Display a good ability to independently determine, describe, discuss and present a research problem, with a theme relevant to the course, both orally and in writing. •Display a good ability to communicate and to contribute with considered viewpoints to seminar discussions.

Required Knowledge

For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 180 ECTS including an undergraduate thesis of 15 ECTS. A minimum of 90 ECTS has to be within one of the following: Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or in other courses that are considered equal to thus above,.

Form of instruction

Teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars and individual presentations. Attendance at seminars and individual presentations is compulsory. Students who are unable to participate in an examinatory element will be set extra assignments. The course requires the students to find their own literature, or to critically relate to a selection of supplementary articles.

Examination modes

The course uses continuous examination in the form of active participation in seminars and individual and written tests. The course is examined through a written assignment which is presented orally and discussed in a seminar, as well as through active participation in seminar discussions of participants’ presentations. All examinatory elements are used as bases for the overall course grade. To receive the grade “pass” for the course it is necessary to achieve a passing grade for all seminars as well as for the individual written assignment. To receive a “pass with credit” grade for the course it is necessary to achieve a passing grade for all seminars as well as a pass with credit grade for the individual written assignment. Students who achieve a passing grade in an examination may not be re-examined order to achieve a higher grade. For all written assignments it is required that students handle sources in accordance with academic tradition. Students who do not achieve a passing grade in an examination have the right to re-examination no later than three months after examination results have been made public, and subsequently when the course is given again. Students who fail to participate in compulsory/or examinatory group work or seminar(s) can, in certain cases, supplement this with an individual assignment. In cases where this is not possible the student is given the opportunity to participate in the element in question when the course is given again. Students have the right to change examiner after two failed examinations, unless special reasons exist. A written request for change of examiner is to be submitted to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination date.

Other regulations

Credit Transfer Transfer of credits is assessed on an individual basis. For more information please contact your student adviser. See also the “Code of rules and procedures at Umeå University”. http://www8.umu.se/studentcentrum/regler_riktlinjer/regelsamlingen/index_eng.htm

Literature

  • Valid from: 2011 week 36

    Aging and everyday life
    Gubrium Jaber F, Holstein James A
    Oxford, UK ;a Malden, Mass. : Blackwell : 2000 : 483 s. :
    ISBN: 0-631-21707-X (hb : alk. paper (pb : alk. paper)
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Attributes of age-identity. Ageing & Society. vol. 25:479-500.
    Bowling Ann, See-Tai Sharon, Ebrahim Shah, Gabriel Zahaava, Solanki Priyha
    2005 :
    Mandatory

    Renegotiating identity and relationships: men and women’s adjustment to retirement. Ageing & Society, vol. 24:213-233
    Barnes Helen, Perry Jane
    2004 :
    Mandatory

    Becoming and Being Old: Socological Approaches to Later Life. London: Sage Publications.
    Bytheway Bill, Keil Teresa, Allatt Patricia, Bryman Aland (ed)
    1989 :
    Mandatory

    The challenge of Ageing. Ageing and Society vol. 20, no. 1:33-54
    Bernard Miriam, Philips Judith
    2000 :
    Mandatory

    The Health and Social Service Needs of Gay and Lesbian Elders and Their Families in Canada. The Gerontologist, vol. 43, no. 2:192-202
    Brotman Shari, Ryan Bill, Cormier Robert
    2003 :
    Mandatory

    Globalization, Women´s Migration, and the long-Term-Care Workforce. The Gerontologist, vol. 48, no. 1:16-24
    Browne Colette V, Braun Kathryn L
    2008 :
    Mandatory

    Budgeon Shelley
    Couple Culture and the Production of Singleness. Sexualities, vol 11, no. 3:301-325
    2008 :
    Mandatory

    Bytheway Bill
    Ageism and age categorization. Journal of social issues, vol. 61, no. 2:361-374
    2005 :
    Mandatory

    Caring while living apart. Gerontological Social Work, vol. 49, no. 4:3-27
    Karlsson Sofie Ghazanfareeon, Johansson Stina, Gender Arne, Borell Klas
    2007 :
    Mandatory

    Aging, self, and community : a collection of readings
    Charmaz Kathy, Gubrium Jaber F., Charmaz Kathy
    Greenwich, Conn. ;a London : JAI Press : c1992 : x,293p :
    ISBN: 1-55938-552-9 (pbk)
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Cruikshank, Margret (2008)
    Aging and identity politics. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 22, no. 2:147-151.

    Mandatory

    ”It’s like a family”: Caring Labor, Exploitation, and Race in Nursing Homes. Gender & Society, vol. 21, no. 6:905-928
    Dodson Lisa, Zincavage Rebekah M
    2007 :
    Mandatory

    Intentions and strategies among elderly people. Coping in everyday life. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 19:437-451
    Duner Anna, Nordström Monica
    2005 :
    Mandatory

    The Biomedicalization of Aging: Dangers and Dilemmas. The Gerontologist, vol.29, no. 2:587-596
    Estes C L, Binney E A
    1989 :
    Mandatory

    Ett hem till mer än namnet – om hem som källa till oberoende och identitet bland äldre med hemtjänst. Socialvetenskaplig tidskrift, vol. 15, nr. 2:135-15
    Evertsson Lars, Johansson Stina
    2008 :
    Mandatory

    Sexuality and Intimacy in Assisted Living: Residents' Perspektives and Experiences
    Frankowski Ann Christine, Clark Leanne J
    Sexuality Research & Social Policy, Vol 6, No.4:25-37 : 2009 :
    Mandatory

    The Nursing Home as a Discursive Anchor for the Ageing Body. Ageing & Society, vol.19: 519-538
    Gubrium Jaber F, Holstein James A
    1999 :
    Mandatory

    Gunnarsson Evy
    The vulnerable life course: poverty and social assistance among middle-aged and older women. Ageing and Society, vol. 22:709-728
    2002 :
    Mandatory

    The social separation of old and young. A root of Ageism. Journal of Social Issues, vol. 61, no. 2:343-360
    Hagestad Gunhild, Uhlenberg Peter
    2005 :
    Mandatory

    Gender and the Division of Houshold Labor in Older Couples: A European Perspective. Journal of Family Issues, vol. 28, no 3:399-421.
    Hank Karsten, Jürges Hendrik
    2007 :
    Mandatory

    Hilbourne Marion
    Living together full time? Middle-class couples approaching retirement. Ageing and Society, vol. 19:161-183
    1999 :
    Mandatory

    Johansson Stina
    Omsorg och mångfald
    Malmö : Gleerups : 2010 :
    ISBN: 978-91-40-66828-8
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Johansson Stina
    Social omsorg i socialt arbete
    Malmö : Gleerups Utbildning AB : 2007 : 285 s. :
    ISBN: 91-40-64760-9
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Karner Tracy X
    Professional Caring: Homecare Workers as Fictive Kin. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 12, no 1:69-82.
    1998 :
    Mandatory

    Katz Stephen
    Busy Bodies: Activity, Aging, and the Management of Everyday Life. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 14, no. 2:135-152.
    2000 :
    Mandatory

    Widowhood and the end of spousal care-giving:relief of wear and tear. Ageing and Society, vol. 28, 551-570.
    Keene Jennifer Reid, Prokos Anastasia H
    2008 :
    Mandatory

    Mallett, Shelley (2004)
    Understanding home: a critical review of the literature. The Sociological Review, vol. 52, no. 1:62-89

    Mandatory

    Olaison, Anna & Cedersund Elisabet (2006)
    Assessment for home care: Negotiating solutions for individual needs. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 20:367-380.

    Mandatory

    Rosenfeld, Dana (1999)
    Identity work among gay and lesbian elderly. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 13, no. 2:121-144.

    Mandatory

    Rubinstein, Robert, L (1989)
    The Home Environments of Older People: a Description of the Psychosocial Processes Linking Person to Place. The journals of gerontology, vol. 44, no. 2:545-553.

    Mandatory

    Salander, Pär & Agneta Spetz (2002)
    How do patients and spouses deal with the serious facts of malignant glioma. Palliative Medicine, vol. 16:305-313.

    Mandatory

    Scherrer Kristin S
    Images of Sexuality and Aging in Gerontological Literature
    Sexuality Research & Social Policy, Vol.6, No. 4:5-12 : 2009 :
    Mandatory

    Sidenvall, Birgitta, Nydahl, Margaretha, Fjellström, Christina (2001)
    Managing food shopping and cooking: the experiences of older Swedish women. Ageing & Society, vol. 20:151-168.

    Mandatory

    Siebert, Darcy C, Mutran, Elisabeth J & Reitzes, Donald (1999)
    Friendship and Social Support: The Importance of Role Identity to Aging Adults. Social Work, vol. 44, no. 6:522-533.

    Mandatory

    Snellman Marie-Louise
    ”Det är ju inte hela tiden bara lycka heller” Äldre kvinnors berättade liv – om arbete, omsorg och åldrande i lansbygdsmiljö. Studier i socialt arbete vid Umeå universitet. Avhandlings- och skriftserie. No 65.
    2009 :
    Mandatory

    Stepfamilies and older people: evaluating the implications of family change for an aging population. Aging and Society, vol. 19, no. 2:239-261.
    Bornat Joanna, Dimmock Brian, Jones David, Peace Shelia
    1999 :
    Mandatory

    Taghizadeh Larsson Annika
    Att åldras med funktionshinder: Betydelser av socialt och kronologiskt åldrande för människor som under lång tid levt med fysiska funktionsnedsättningar. Linköping Studies in Arts and Science No. 470. Linköpings Universitet, Institutionen för samhälls och välfärdsstudier, NISAL
    2009 :
    Mandatory

    Torres, Sandra (2006)
    Elderly Immigrants in Sweden: ”Otherness” Under Construction. Journal of Ethnic Migration Studies, vol. 32, no. 8:1341-1358.

    Mandatory

    Twigg, Julia (2000)
    Carework as a form of bodywork. Ageing & Society, vol. 20:389-411.

    Mandatory

    Walker, Alan (1982)
    Dependency and Old Age. Social Policy & Administration, vol 16, no. 2:115-135.

    Mandatory

    Warren, Carol A.B. (1998)
    Aging and Identity in Premodern Times. Research on Aging, vol. 20, no. 11:11-35.

    Mandatory

    Whitaker Anna
    The body as existential midpoint - the aging and dying body of nursing home residents. Journal of Aging Studies, 24, 2, 96-110
    2010 :
    Mandatory

    Zink, Therese C, Jacobson, Jeff jr., Pabst, Saundra Regan, Fisher, Bonnie S (2006)
    A Lifetime of Intimate Partner Violence: Coping Strategies of Older Women. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 21, no. 5:634-651.

    Mandatory

    Åström, Sture, Karlsson, Stig, Sandvide, Åsa, Bucht, Gösta, Eisemann, Martin, Norberg, Astrid, Saveman, Britt-Inger (2004)
    Staff’s experience of and the management of violent incidents in elderly care. Scandinavian Journal of Caring, vol. 18:410-416.

    Mandatory

    Öberg, Peter & Tornstam, Lars (2001)
    Youthfulness and Fitness – Identity Ideals for all Ages? Journal of Aging and Identity, vol. 6, no. 1:15-29.

    Mandatory

  • Valid from: 2011 week 3

    Attributes of age-identity. Ageing & Society. vol. 25:479-500.
    Bowling Ann, See-Tai Sharon, Ebrahim Shah, Gabriel Zahaava, Solanki Priyha
    2005 :
    Mandatory

    Renegotiating identity and relationships: men and women’s adjustment to retirement. Ageing & Society, vol. 24:213-233
    Barnes Helen, Perry Jane
    2004 :
    Mandatory

    Becoming and Being Old: Socological Approaches to Later Life. London: Sage Publications.
    Bytheway Bill, Keil Teresa, Allatt Patricia, Bryman Aland (ed)
    1989 :
    Mandatory

    The challenge of Ageing. Ageing and Society vol. 20, no. 1:33-54
    Bernard Miriam, Philips Judith
    2000 :
    Mandatory

    The Health and Social Service Needs of Gay and Lesbian Elders and Their Families in Canada. The Gerontologist, vol. 43, no. 2:192-202
    Brotman Shari, Ryan Bill, Cormier Robert
    2003 :
    Mandatory

    Globalization, Women´s Migration, and the long-Term-Care Workforce. The Gerontologist, vol. 48, no. 1:16-24
    Browne Colette V, Braun Kathryn L
    2008 :
    Mandatory

    Budgeon Shelley
    Couple Culture and the Production of Singleness. Sexualities, vol 11, no. 3:301-325
    2008 :
    Mandatory

    Bytheway Bill
    Ageism and age categorization. Journal of social issues, vol. 61, no. 2:361-374
    2005 :
    Mandatory

    Caring while living apart. Gerontological Social Work, vol. 49, no. 4:3-27
    Karlsson Sofie Ghazanfareeon, Johansson Stina, Gender Arne, Borell Klas
    2007 :
    Mandatory

    Aging, self, and community : a collection of readings
    Charmaz Kathy, Gubrium Jaber F., Charmaz Kathy
    Greenwich, Conn. ;a London : JAI Press : c1992 : x,293p :
    ISBN: 1-55938-552-9 (pbk)
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Cruikshank, Margret (2008)
    Aging and identity politics. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 22, no. 2:147-151.

    Mandatory

    ”It’s like a family”: Caring Labor, Exploitation, and Race in Nursing Homes. Gender & Society, vol. 21, no. 6:905-928
    Dodson Lisa, Zincavage Rebekah M
    2007 :
    Mandatory

    Intentions and strategies among elderly people. Coping in everyday life. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 19:437-451
    Duner Anna, Nordström Monica
    2005 :
    Mandatory

    The Biomedicalization of Aging: Dangers and Dilemmas. The Gerontologist, vol.29, no. 2:587-596
    Estes C L, Binney E A
    1989 :
    Mandatory

    Ett hem till mer än namnet – om hem som källa till oberoende och identitet bland äldre med hemtjänst. Socialvetenskaplig tidskrift, vol. 15, nr. 2:135-15
    Evertsson Lars, Johansson Stina
    2008 :
    Mandatory

    The Nursing Home as a Discursive Anchor for the Ageing Body. Ageing & Society, vol.19: 519-538
    Gubrium Jaber F, Holstein James A
    1999 :
    Mandatory

    Gunnarsson Evy
    The vulnerable life course: poverty and social assistance among middle-aged and older women. Ageing and Society, vol. 22:709-728
    2002 :
    Mandatory

    The social separation of old and young. A root of Ageism. Journal of Social Issues, vol. 61, no. 2:343-360
    Hagestad Gunhild, Uhlenberg Peter
    2005 :
    Mandatory

    Gender and the Division of Houshold Labor in Older Couples: A European Perspective. Journal of Family Issues, vol. 28, no 3:399-421.
    Hank Karsten, Jürges Hendrik
    2007 :
    Mandatory

    Hilbourne Marion
    Living together full time? Middle-class couples approaching retirement. Ageing and Society, vol. 19:161-183
    1999 :
    Mandatory

    Johansson Stina
    Omsorg och mångfald
    Malmö : Gleerups : 2010 :
    ISBN: 978-91-40-66828-8
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Karner Tracy X
    Professional Caring: Homecare Workers as Fictive Kin. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 12, no 1:69-82.
    1998 :
    Mandatory

    Katz Stephen
    Busy Bodies: Activity, Aging, and the Management of Everyday Life. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 14, no. 2:135-152.
    2000 :
    Mandatory

    Widowhood and the end of spousal care-giving:relief of wear and tear. Ageing and Society, vol. 28, 551-570.
    Keene Jennifer Reid, Prokos Anastasia H
    2008 :
    Mandatory

    Mallett, Shelley (2004)
    Understanding home: a critical review of the literature. The Sociological Review, vol. 52, no. 1:62-89

    Mandatory

    Olaison, Anna & Cedersund Elisabet (2006)
    Assessment for home care: Negotiating solutions for individual needs. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 20:367-380.

    Mandatory

    Rosenfeld, Dana (1999)
    Identity work among gay and lesbian elderly. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 13, no. 2:121-144.

    Mandatory

    Rubinstein, Robert, L (1989)
    The Home Environments of Older People: a Description of the Psychosocial Processes Linking Person to Place. The journals of gerontology, vol. 44, no. 2:545-553.

    Mandatory

    Salander, Pär & Agneta Spetz (2002)
    How do patients and spouses deal with the serious facts of malignant glioma. Palliative Medicine, vol. 16:305-313.

    Mandatory

    Sidenvall, Birgitta, Nydahl, Margaretha, Fjellström, Christina (2001)
    Managing food shopping and cooking: the experiences of older Swedish women. Ageing & Society, vol. 20:151-168.

    Mandatory

    Siebert, Darcy C, Mutran, Elisabeth J & Reitzes, Donald (1999)
    Friendship and Social Support: The Importance of Role Identity to Aging Adults. Social Work, vol. 44, no. 6:522-533.

    Mandatory

    Snellman Marie-Louise
    ”Det är ju inte hela tiden bara lycka heller” Äldre kvinnors berättade liv – om arbete, omsorg och åldrande i lansbygdsmiljö. Studier i socialt arbete vid Umeå universitet. Avhandlings- och skriftserie. No 65.
    2009 :
    Mandatory

    Stepfamilies and older people: evaluating the implications of family change for an aging population. Aging and Society, vol. 19, no. 2:239-261.
    Bornat Joanna, Dimmock Brian, Jones David, Peace Shelia
    1999 :
    Mandatory

    Taghizadeh Larsson Annika
    Att åldras med funktionshinder: Betydelser av socialt och kronologiskt åldrande för människor som under lång tid levt med fysiska funktionsnedsättningar. Linköping Studies in Arts and Science No. 470. Linköpings Universitet, Institutionen för samhälls och välfärdsstudier, NISAL
    2009 :
    Mandatory

    Torres, Sandra (2006)
    Elderly Immigrants in Sweden: ”Otherness” Under Construction. Journal of Ethnic Migration Studies, vol. 32, no. 8:1341-1358.

    Mandatory

    Twigg, Julia (2000)
    Carework as a form of bodywork. Ageing & Society, vol. 20:389-411.

    Mandatory

    Walker, Alan (1982)
    Dependency and Old Age. Social Policy & Administration, vol 16, no. 2:115-135.

    Mandatory

    Warren, Carol A.B. (1998)
    Aging and Identity in Premodern Times. Research on Aging, vol. 20, no. 11:11-35.

    Mandatory

    Whitaker Anna
    The body as existential midpoint - the aging and dying body of nursing home residents. Journal of Aging Studies, 24, 2, 96-110
    2010 :
    Mandatory

    Zink, Therese C, Jacobson, Jeff jr., Pabst, Saundra Regan, Fisher, Bonnie S (2006)
    A Lifetime of Intimate Partner Violence: Coping Strategies of Older Women. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 21, no. 5:634-651.

    Mandatory

    Åström, Sture, Karlsson, Stig, Sandvide, Åsa, Bucht, Gösta, Eisemann, Martin, Norberg, Astrid, Saveman, Britt-Inger (2004)
    Staff’s experience of and the management of violent incidents in elderly care. Scandinavian Journal of Caring, vol. 18:410-416.

    Mandatory

    Öberg, Peter & Tornstam, Lars (2001)
    Youthfulness and Fitness – Identity Ideals for all Ages? Journal of Aging and Identity, vol. 6, no. 1:15-29.

    Mandatory

    Aging and everyday life
    Gubrium Jaber F, Holstein James A
    Oxford, UK ;a Malden, Mass. : Blackwell : 2000 : 483 s. :
    ISBN: 0-631-21707-X (hb : alk. paper (pb : alk. paper)
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Johansson Stina
    Social omsorg i socialt arbete
    Malmö : Gleerups Utbildning AB : 2007 : 285 s. :
    ISBN: 91-40-64760-9
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue