essay

Directions:  You are required to write a 2-3 page (1” margin, typed, double spaced) response to the prompt.  Each prompt requires two outside sources (other than the textbook and/or lecture).  You need to cite each source in APA style. All prompts should be written in APA style.  Be sure to pay attention to your grammar and word choice.  Be sure to proofread because poor grammar will lead to point deductions! Be sure to provide a detailed response that showcases your knowledge of the subject and any insight gained from the experience. Each prompt is designed to focus on the current topic of study and allows you to explore the topic in greater detail.  In other words, DO NOT WAIT until the night before the journal is due to write your responses to the prompts.

Prompts for Entry #1 (pick one of the following options)

Option A)           Consider how aging is portrayed in popular media (television, movies, books, advertisements, etc.) and the various definitions of aging introduced in class including cosmetic aging, biological aging, chronological aging, and Baltes’ lifespan perspective.    How is aging portrayed in popular culture—is it positive, negative, or neutral?  What definitions of aging are most commonly expressed in popular media?  Are there common elements or stereotypes that are perpetuated about aging?  What are they?  How does American culture and popular media outlets interpret the meaning of aging?  Be sure to provide at least three examples of aging that occur in popular media. 

 Option B)             Each generation of this century has developed a psychological profile.  Consider one generation from 1900 to present day (ex., baby-boomers, generation X, millennials).  Discuss the influences on the development of this generation including normative age-graded, normative history-graded, and other non-normative influence. What unique concerns will this generation experience as they age?  How should our society respond to these concerns?  How does your selected generation differ from other generations?