Time, Masks, Mirrors: Aging in America
STS 326
Spring 2027
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
SOC 313 |
Longevity is almost universally wished for, but its actual accomplishment may also invite fear, even dread, depending on the context in which it occurs. We will study the sociocultural meanings of aging in the US as they are informed by history (collective and personal), cultural and social scripts, memory and personhood, caregiving relationships, institutional support/constraint, and current conceptualizations of the life course and the "aging" mind and body that often rely heavily on categorization and vocabulary associated with biomedicine. We will explore the recent development of "regenerative" medicine and the idea of sustainability/disposability -- often applied to dwellings, objects, the natural environment -- in relation to persons. This is a community-engaged learning course and enrolled students will be introduced to qualitative methods and analysis of qualitative data through visiting and conducting a series of interviews with elders living in a local retirement community. Our focus will be on factors that support well-being over the life course (specific topic to be determined), culminating in a record that can be shared with others. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS SOC |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Science and Technology Studies) |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
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Examinations and Assignments:
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Students interested in this course should both request POI in Stellic and contact the instructor directly pcbest@wesleyan.edu for additional information about admission to the course, its structure, and expectations. |
| Instructor(s): Carey Best,Peggy Times: ..T.... 01:20PM-04:10PM; Location: TBA |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 12 | Permission of instructor will be granted during the drop/add period. Students must submit either a ranked or unranked drop/add request for this course. |
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