Gerontology Course Descriptions
Core Course Descriptions in the Gerontology Major
Social Forces and Aging (GER 310)
Social gerontology is the study of the processes and phenomena of aging as it is influenced by social forces. This course examines how the aging experience is shaped by the organization of society, social institutions, attitudes toward the aged and aging process, social roles, and the effect these have on the older person's self-concept.Senior Citizens: Policies and Politics (GER 380)
Students will be introduced to the development and practice of social policy, on the state and federal level, and how it affects services to the older adult population. Political organizations that influence the lives of the elderly, (i.e., American Association of Retired Persons, Gray Panthers, Older Women's League, the National Council of Senior Citizens) will be examined as well as government and social welfare programs (i.e., Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare).Community Resources for Older Adults (GER 470)
This course covers the services, programs and institutions involved in providing services to older adults in the U.S. with a focus on community-based services. Typical needs, issues, concerns and desires for older persons are identified and corresponding community-based services to address these needs are discussed. Emerging issues and developments in the field of gerontology will also be discussed as they relate to community services and resources. Site visits to agencies and organizations serving older adults will enhance students' familiarity with resources to improve the quality fo life and well-being of aging members in our society.Biology of Aging (BMS 260)
Students investigate the aging process from a biological (anatomical and physiological) perspective. Biological aging processes are considered to be normal processes in that they occur in all members of the population, they are progressive and physiologically irreversible. This course emphasizes biological processes that are inevitable. Aging theories will be considered at a cellular and molecular level, as well as at the tissue and organ level. Primary emphasis will be placed on physiological aging as it relates to normal growth and development.Psychology of Aging and Adjustment (PSY 365)
Personality adjustment in old age, with emphasis both on adequate and maladjusted development. After a brief review of successful aging to demonstrate that most persons do age well, there is an in-depth presentation of both functional and selected organic conditions. Included in the former are anxiety, depression and suicide, paranoia, and hypochondriasis. In the latter, material on delirium and on causes of dementia are included.Research Methods Course (SOC 201 or PSY 201 or PSY 203)
Designed to introduce students to the various methods of research in the social sciences. Students will learn about the collection and analysis of data and develop skills which will be used during the Senior Seminar. Several courses will fulfill this requirement and should be approved by the Gerontology advisor.Communication Skills Course (COM 326 or COM 332 or COM 405)
Professionals in the field of aging must be able to communicate with clients, family members, staff members, professionals in other agencies, and the general public. To enhance communication skills, students are required to take one advanced communication course. Several courses will fulfill this requirement and should be approved by the Gerontology advisor
Health Sciences Course (BMS 310)
Designed to increase the student's knowledge of the health sciences and how health issues impact upon individuals in later life. The course will focus on such issues as exercise, nutrition, leisure activities, physical education, and health and wellness. Several courses will fulfill this requirement and should be approved by the Gerontology advisor.Supervised Practicum in Gerontology (GER 498)
Prerequisite: Completion of the Gerontology core courses with a grade of "C" or better in each and permission .On-site contacts with elderly individuals through an internship at a residential or community placement approved by the Director of Gerontology. Direct supervision will be provided by qualified professionals in the field of Gerontology. Students typically complete a 12 credit hour practicum (540 clock hours) although this may vary due to prior work experience.
Seminar in Gerontology (GER 499)
Prerequisite: Completion of the Gerontology core courses with a grade of "C" or better in each and permission.Weekly meetings to allow students to correlate experiences in the Gerontology practicum with academic knowledge, share experiences, and broaden contacts in the field of aging. Survey of current literature in Gerontology from various disciplines will be included.
Elective Course Descriptions In the Gerontology Major
Gender Issues In Later Life (GER 320)
Prerequisite: 45 credit hours or permission of DirectorA comparison of the aging experiences of men and women in later life. The relevance of gender and gender roles to the aging process will be considered. Specific topics of analysis will include the gender gap in longevity, psychological and physical health, minority status, socioeconomic status, family relationships, and public policy issues. To acquaint students with gender issues as they relate to the differing experiences of men and women in later life. In Spring of 1998, a GER 300 service learning component will be available to students.
Death, Bereavement, and the Elderly (GER 350)
Prerequisite: 45 credit hours or permission of DirectorIssues related to death and bereavement within the context of later life are the focus of this course. Students will examine the social construction of death within American culture and be encouraged to consider personal thoughts and beliefs surrounding this life event. The investigation and discussion of many important topics are included in the course curriculum, for example, elder suicide, euthanasia, living wills, AIDS and the elderly, hospice, death in skilled care facilities, the loss of companion animals, cross-cultural traditions surrounding death and multiple types of grief.
Families in Later Life (GER 365)
Prerequisite: 45 credit hours or permission of DirectorExamination of the changing structure of aging families. Important topics relevant to later life families, such as aging parent-adult child interactions, sibling relationships, grandparenthood, marital satisfaction, widowhood, and retirement will be investigated. The application of family theories and their relevance to later life families will also be discussed.
Service Learning Curriular Component (GER 300)
Prerequisite: 30 credit hours and concurrent registration in a gerontology course designated as a service learning offering .An integrative learning experience which addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes and awareness of and participation in public affairs by incorporating community service with classroom instruction. Includes 40 hours on-task service to a community organization, agency or public service provider. The community service placement agency and service assignment will vary, dependent on the course topic and learning objectives. No more than 2 hours of service learning credit may count toward graduation.