Literature And Gerontology

Ageing from an Interdisciplinary Perspective

What you'll learn
demonstrate an understanding of the theme of ageing in literature
illustrate the significance of the literary expressions of the ageing process
develop critical thinking over the concerns of ageing and empathy for older adults
examine different perspectives on ageing
Requirements
No educational prerequisite
No age limit
Description
Welcome to this course!        Ageing is an unavoidable part of human life and a proper perspective concerning old age is essential at an individual level and in the society at large. Studying the representation of ageing in literature and juxtaposing it with perspectives from other disciplines, offers a creative and engaging way to affect an individual's civic responsibility and most importantly aid in whole person development of the learner. We are glad that you took this step to learn more about ageing. We can assure you that your view of ageing will undergo a change for the better, as you journey through this experience. Happy learning!       The course is part of the project, “An Interdisciplinary Asynchronous Course on Literature and Gerontology" funded by United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia under the Whole Person Education Digital Content Development Grant - 2021. Components in the CourseThe syllabus has four units.Each unit will have the following components3-5 Video lectures -> 2 (literature) + 2 (other perspective)Reading materials 1 - 3Self-study worksheet – 1Activity/Task with Discussion Forum - 1Quiz - 1Introspection (audio) - 1Apart from the above, there are two panel discussions and a final assessment (combined with task and discussion forum) at the end of the course. Role of the learnerThe achievement of the outcomes and objectives of this course is subject to  the extent to which the learner stays committed to complete all components, finish all the tasks and do his/her best to take in, what's being taught. The learners are expected to read the literary texts prescribed in the syllabus and then watch the corresponding video lecture for better understanding. Subject ExpertsDr. Udaya B. Jagadeesan, M.D. is a Chief Medical Officer and a practising Geriatrician, JGS Life care, Longmeadow, Massachusetts, USA.  Dr. Roopa Ravikumar, Associate Professor (Retired), Department of Social Sciences, Lady Doak College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. She has been teaching Gerontology for around 25 years. Rev. Dr. John Samuel Ponnusamy, Dean of Doctoral Studies, Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India has contributed to books and articles on ageing studies from a theological frame of reference. He has worked as a Lecturer in Northern College, Manchester, UK and visiting professor at Pacific Theological College, Fiji. Course Designed by the instructor Ms. Hillela P. (More information is available under instructor biography)

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Syllabus

Lecture 2 Task: Image of Old Age

Section 2: UNIT 1: Biological Perspective

Lecture 3 Part 1: Physical Changes & Healthy Ageing (by Dr. Udaya B. Jagadeesan)

Lecture 4 Part 2: Physical Changes & Healthy Ageing (by Dr. Udaya B. Jagadeesan)

Lecture 5 Part 3: Physical Changes & Healthy Ageing (by Dr. Udaya )

Lecture 6 Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle's "Waterloo" - One-Act Play

Lecture 7 Jamie Grant's "The Parapet" - Poem

Lecture 8 Match the comparisons used in "The Parapet"

Lecture 9 Task 2: Common Problems faced by Old people & Caretakers

Section 3: Self-study 1: "Cato, the Elder: Or, a Treatise on Old Age" by Cicero - PROSE

Lecture 10 Summary - Brief

Lecture 11 Speak your mind

Lecture 12 Unit 1: Introspection

Section 4: UNIT 2: Sociological Perspective

Lecture 13 Sociological Ageing - Lecture by Dr. Roopa Ravikumar

Lecture 14 Death as a Life Event - Lecture by Dr. Roopa Ravikumar

Lecture 15 Ray Bradbury's "Season of Disbelief" - Lecture by Ms. Hillela P.

Lecture 16 Desai's "A Devoted Son" & Maya Angelou's "On Aging" - Lecture by Ms. Hillela P.

Lecture 17 Match - Activity

Lecture 18 Myths Related with Ageing - Reading Material

Lecture 19 Task 3: Identifying Ageism around us

Lecture 20 Minari - Movie

Section 5: Self-study 2: Israel Zangwill's “The Grey Wig”

Lecture 21 A. Read the story, "The Grey Wig" and rearrange the sentences based on the plot.

Lecture 22 B. Uniqueness of the Ageing Experience

Lecture 23 C. Style of the Writer

Lecture 24 D. Elder Abuse

Lecture 25 Unit 2: Introspection

Section 6: UNIT 3: Theological Perspective

Lecture 26 Aged in Sacred Scriptures

Lecture 27 Religious Scriptures, Ageing & Application

Lecture 28 Spirituality in Old Age

Lecture 29 Facing Life's Last Moments: Forgiveness and Healing (A real-life event)

Lecture 30 “Ageing in Jewish Interpretations” - Reading Material

Lecture 31 William Maxwell's "The Actual Thing" - Short Story

Lecture 32 W. B. Yeats’ “The Man and the Echo” - Poem

Section 7: Self-Study 3: Folk Tales & Ageing

Lecture 33 Representation of Old people in Folk Tales

Lecture 34 B - Productivity in old age

Lecture 35 C - Spirituality & fulfilment in Old Age

Lecture 36 D - Further Study

Lecture 37 Unit 3: Introspection

Section 8: UNIT 4: Reflection

Lecture 38 So What?

Lecture 39 Retirement - Reading Material

Lecture 40 Eudora Welty's "A Visit of Charity" - short story

Lecture 41 Judith Ortiz Cofer's "An Hour With Abuelo" - Short Story

Lecture 42 Task 4: Working with Older Adults

Section 9: Conclusion

Lecture 43 Panel Discussion 1

Lecture 44 Panel Discussion 2

Lecture 45 Some Terms & Concepts

Lecture 46 Unit 4: Introspection

Lecture 47 (Final) Task 5 An Experience to Remember & Cherish: Interviewing Older Adults

Lecture 48 Share your thoughts

Individuals who wish to view ageing creatively through literature,Individuals who desire to examine the harsh realities in life using humour, stories and interesting comparisons,Curious minds interested in viewing ageing from an interdisciplinary perspective