Courses Offered by Psychology

PSY 101 Psychology for Personal Growth

A study of the emotional, intellectual, and interpersonal experiences of self and others in order to enhance self-understanding, to make informed choices, and to promote adjustment. Will not count toward the major or minor in psychology.

PSY 150 Introduction to the Psychology Major

This course is required for admission to the psychology degree program and is recommended for students considering psychology as a major. Students will learn about specialties and careers in the field, understand the training and education necessary for various careers, develop professional goals, explore minor options, and become familiar with the psychology faculty and their specialties. Not required for the Psychology minor.

PSY 197 Topics in Psychology

Selected topics especially appropriate for lower division students (examples: meaning of death, preparation for marriage, and child rearing practices). May be repeated for a maximum of 4 hours.

PSY 203 Introduction to Research

Prerequisite: PSY 121; and completion of General Education mathematics requirement.

This course will provide an integrated approach to elementary research design and statistical methods. Students will review current research and develop small projects for which statistical methods will be selected and applied. This course cannot be substituted for PSY 200 and/or PSY 201 on the psychology major and will not count toward the Psychology major. This course is designed for psychology minors and will not prepare students for graduate work in Psychology.

PSY 250 Analysis of Interpersonal Behavior

Prerequisite: PSY 121 and permission of instructor.

Ongoing processes of interpersonal behavior. Observation and experience as participant of a self-analytic group in the human relations laboratory.

PSY 302 Experimental Psychology

Prerequisite: PSY 121 and PSY 200.

Psychological methodology; major emphasis on experimentation.

PSY 304 Abnormal Psychology

Prerequisite: PSY 121.

Psychopathology and the maladjustment of the organism.

PSY 306 Learning Processes

Prerequisite: PSY 121.

A survey of the methods of classical and instrumental conditioning.

PSY 309 Identity and Aging in Literature and Film

Prerequisite: PSY 121 and 3 additional hours of Psychology.

Emphasizes the experience of aging as perceived from the older person's point of view and that of society. Situations in later life will be explore through the use of short stories, selected articles, and videos. The topics covered will include health, friendship and relationships, widowhood, family and intergenerational relations, perceptions of death and dying, and finding purpose and meaning in life. Students will acquire a basic understanding of identity issued and factors that contribute to well-being in later life.

PSY 311 Service Learning in Psychology

Prerequisite: 30 hours, concurrent registration in a Psychology course designated as a service learning offering.

This service component for an existing course incorporates community service with classroom instruction in psychology to provide an integrative learning experience that addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes an awareness of, and participation, in public affairs. Includes 40 hours of service that benefits an external community organization, agency, or public service provider. Approved service placements and assignments will vary depending on the course topic and learning objectives; a list of approved placements and assignments is available from the instructor and the Citizenship and Service Learning Office. May be repeated.

PSY 317 Psychology of Addictions

Prerequisite: PSY 121.

Students in the course will learn basic psychological and psychophysiological processes involved in the progression of substance use, abuse, and addiction. Topics covered will include the conduct of individual assessment, interviewing techniques, and counseling processes. This class is intended to give students an understanding of individual, motivational, and social psychological perspectives.

PSY 331 Psychology of Childhood

Prerequisite: PSY 121.

This course examines major psychological issues, theories and research concerning child development. Influences on cognitive, personality and social development are analyzed.

PSY 339 Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Prerequisite: PSY 121 and PSY 304.

A survey of the field of clinical psychology from a broad conceptual and historic perspective. The course examines professional issues such as various mental health delivery systems, ethics, and graduate training. The course also presents an overview of different approaches to psychotherapy along with assessment methods commonly used in evaluation of therapy, research, and decision making in a clinical setting.

PSY 354 Gender Issues in Later Life

Prerequisite: PSY 121; and GST 170 or 45 hours.

A 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. Identical with GER 320. Cannot receive credit for both GER 320 and PSY 354.

PSY 359 Theories of Social Psychology

Prerequisite: PSY 121 or SOC 150.

A survey of research strategies in social psychology; social perception; interpersonal attraction; attitudes and persuasion; sex differences in social behavior.

PSY 363 Death and Human Behavior

Prerequisite: PSY 121.

An introduction to the varied aspects of death and dying. The course will focus on attitudes toward death, fears of death and dying, special needs of those who have a life threatening illness, means of helping the survivors and techniques for prolonging life.

PSY 366 Families in Later Life

Prerequisite: PSY 121; and CFD 155 or CFD 163 or 30 hours.

Examination of the structure and function of families in later life. Topics of interest include demographic trends impacting the structure of the family, marriage, sibling relations, parent-adult child relations, grandparenthood, widowhood, and retirement. The application of family theories and their relevance to later life families will be discussed. Identical with CFD 365, GER 365, and SWK 365. Can only receive credit for one of following: CFD 365, GER 365, PSY 366, or SWK 365.

PSY 380 Development of the Student

Prerequisite: PSY 121; and either ELE 302 or SEC 302.

Life-span development, with a strong emphasis on grades K-12. Includes cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. Coverage of developmental issues, such as divorce, child abuse, substance abuse, sexuality, and peer pressure. Also includes learning and motivation theory. Required for students seeking special education, K-9, or K-12 certification. Also will count toward any certification. May substitute for PSY 385 or PSY 390. Will not count towards the major or minor in psychology. Credit will be awarded for only one of the following: PSY 380, PSY 385, PSY 390.

PSY 390 Development of the Adolescent Student

Prerequisite: PSY 121 and SEC 302.

Life-span development, with a strong emphasis on the middle school and secondary education years. Includes cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. Coverage of developmental issues, such as substances abuse, sexuality, divorce, and peer pressure. Also includes learning and motivation theory. Required for students seeking middle school or secondary education certification. PSY 380 may be taken instead of PSY 390. Will not count towards special education, K-9, K-12, early childhood, early childhood-special education or elementary education certification. Will not count towards the major or minor in psychology. Credit will be awarded for only one of the following: PSY 380, PSY 385, PSY 390.

PSY 411 Psychology of Diverse Populations

Prerequisite: senior standing; and 27 hours of Psychology.

Capstone course reviewing research and theory in social cognition, biological bases of behavior, development, individual differences, and psychopathology as they apply to ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, language, exceptionality, aging, privilege/disadvantage, and other aspects of diversity. Similarities and differences in human thoughts and behaviors will be evaluated to better understand individual and group outcomes. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.

PSY 424 Teaching of Psychology

Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

This course is open only to psychology majors who have completed the application and selection process for an undergraduate learning assistant in Introductory Psychology and who are available to attend training sessions prior to the beginning of semester. Students will be assisting in the teaching of Introductory Psychology by serving as undergraduate learning assistants. Experiences will include facilitating group study sessions, individually mentoring students, and gaining exposure to the skills necessary for successful teaching. Emphasis will be on learning and practicing mentoring skills, the implementation of innovative pedagogical techniques, and course development. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours.

PSY 451 Psychophysiology of Aging

Prerequisite: PSY 121; and BIO 101 and 111, or BMS 100 and 101, or BMS 110 and 111.

This course will provide an introduction to the biology and physiology of aging. Students will examine broad changes in structure and function in humans, and get a closer look at changes in systems, organs, tissues, and cells in humans and some nonhumans. The class will explore the implications of these changes on function and independence in old age; learn about the impact of these changes on research and development of therapeutic measures to prevent, maintain or improve structure and function; and study methods for preventing decline, and maintaining and improving health and quality of life in older adults.

PSY 486 Management and Assessment in the Middle and Secondary Classroom

Prerequisite: admission to Teacher Education Program; and PSY 360 or equivalent competencies.

Planning, constructing, using, and analyzing a variety of assessment practices and understanding uses of standardized testing in education. Covers adolescent social behavior, management theory and strategies that promote effective learning and development while minimizing disruptive behavior. Application of theory to classroom practice and everyday situations. Identical with SFR 486. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 486 and SFR 486.

PSY 490 Preparation for Graduate School

Primarily for senior students considering graduate study in psychology and related fields. Emphasis is on career awareness and the practical activities involved in the application process.

PSY 495 Senior Seminar

Prerequisite: senior standing (90 hours); and 27 hours of Psychology.

Activities to help students identify and explore postgraduate career opportunities. A major field achievement test and program evaluation will be administered.

PSY 497 Advanced Topics in Psychology

Prerequisite: 9 hours psychology.

In depth inquiry into selected topics of psychology. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours if topic is different. 1-3 F,S. Approved recurring course topic: Ethical Issues and Concepts. Exploration of the ethical principles and standards that guide the practice of psychology. Approved recurring course topic: Psychological Disorders in the Movies. Exploration and examination of psychological disorders in film. Approved recurring course topic: Psychology of Sexual and Intimate Relationships. Exploration of issues related to sexual and intimate relationships including techniques to enhance communication, sexual intimacy and relationships.

PSY 499 Practicum in Psychology

Prerequisite: PSY 121 and 14 additional hours of psychology and permission of department head.

Offers an opportunity for the student to obtain experience through field work. Such experience need not be confined to the campus. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours.

PSY 505 Forensic Child Psychology

Prerequisite: PSY 121.

Explores the basics of forensic psychology with emphasis on factors that affect children, how these factors are assessed and how communities intervene to reduce both child crime and child victimization. The class will involve text analysis as well as analysis of primary source readings. May be taught concurrently with PSY 604. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 604 and PSY 505.

PSY 508 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis

Prerequisite: PSY 121.

Serves as an introduction to the field of applied behavior analysis. During this course, students are introduced to content areas contained in the Behavior Analysis Certification Board Task List. This includes core concepts such as reinforcement, punishment, stimulus control, and principles of shaping. Students will be introduced to functional assessments and functional analyses. Additional topics include verbal behavior and ethical considerations for behavior analysts. May be taught concurrently with PSY 614. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 614 and PSY 508.

PSY 512 Personality Theory and Systems

Prerequisite: PSY 121 and PSY 304.

Current theories of personality, research background and historical development. May be taught concurrently with PSY 612. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 612 and PSY 512.

PSY 514 Psychology of Child Abuse and Exploitation

Prerequisite: PSY 121 and 60 hours.

Study of forensic issues related to child abuse and exploitation. Students will gain an understanding of the forensic and psychological issues that often arise during child abuse investigations. The Child Advocacy Center, Inc. will participate in the design of the course, thus the specific forensic issues discussed will remain current and may change based on the needs of the community. May be taught concurrently with PSY 617. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 514 and PSY 617.

PSY 521 Physiological Psychology

Prerequisite: PSY 121 and 3 additional hours of psychology.

Physiological correlates underlying behavior, including sensory and response mechanisms, central nervous system. May be taught concurrently with PSY 622. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 622 and PSY 521.

PSY 524 Honors Project in Psychology

Prerequisite: PSY 121; and PSY 200 or equivalent; and PSY 302; and PSY 510, and permission of sponsoring faculty member and department head; open to Honors College students only.

Students will revise and expand their individual research project completed for PSY 510. The final project from this course must be submitted to a student conference or student journal, as well as to the Honors College as the student's Honors Project.

PSY 527 Advanced Psychological Statistical Methods

Prerequisite: introductory statistics selected from: PSY 200, 711; AGR 330; MTH 340; QBA 237; REC 328; SOC 302; or equivalent.

A review of introductory statistics and investigation of research methods in behavioral sciences that require multivariate statistical models. This course takes an applied orientation and emphasizes the use of statistical packages. Topics include: linear models, principal components analysis, discriminant analysis, multiple regression analysis, multiple regression with categorical variables, and multi-factor ANOVA. May be taught concurrently with PSY 627. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 627 and PSY 527.

PSY 533 Psychological Issues in Religion

Prerequisite: PSY 121.

Comprehensive overview of historical background, research methods, and contemporary issues involving behavior and religious beliefs. Psychological research in the areas of religious development and cognition will be included. May be taught concurrently with PSY 633. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 633 and PSY 533.

PSY 535 Discipline and Social Behavior in the Classroom

Prerequisite: PSY 121; and PSY 360 or PSY 380 or PSY 385 or PSY 390.

Provides a psychological perspective of individual and social factors necessary to develop an effective eclectic approach to discipline and an understanding of social behavior in the classroom. Includes an emphasis on personal, social, and motivational development. May be taught concurrently with PSY 635. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 635 and PSY 535.

PSY 555 Developing Sport Team Leaders

This e-course delivers leadership, team processes, and motivation principles to help coaches develop the leadership skills of sport team athletes. This course aligns sport program goals with educational goals by utilizing athletic settings to promote skills that student-athletes can apply on sport teams and in other group settings. Coaches will learn how to set specific leadership goals with team leader-athletes and will learn concrete and constructive ways to mentor leader-athletes. Coaches will use course principles to construct a plan for developing sport team leaders and for making "team leadership" a core team value. May be taught concurrently with PSY 649. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 649 and PSY 555.

PSY 557 Forensic Psychology: Child Abuse and the Law

Prerequisite: PSY 121 and 60 hours.

Study of the legal issues related to child abuse and exploitation. Students will gain an understanding of the law pertaining to child cases and how interactions with children can bolster or diminish the quality of children's memory report as seen by the judicial system. The Greene County Prosecutor's Office will participate in the design of this course, thus the specific legal issues discussed will remain current and may change based on the needs of the community. May be taught concurrently with PSY 657. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 557 and PSY 657.

PSY 597 Specialized Topics in Psychology

Prerequisite: 9 hours of Psychology.

Specialized investigation into selected topics in psychology. Graduate students will be required to complete an extra project to be determined by the instructor. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours if topic is different. Variable content course. May be taught concurrently with PSY 695. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 695 and PSY 597.

PSY 604 Forensic Child Psychology

Recommended Prerequisite: PSY 121. Explores the basics of forensic psychology with emphasis on factors that affect children, how these factors are assessed and how communities intervene to reduce both child crime and child victimization. The class will involve text analysis as well as analysis of primary source readings. May be taught concurrently with PSY 505. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 505 and PSY 604.

PSY 612 Personality Theory and Systems

Recommended Prerequisite: PSY 121 and PSY 304. Current theories of personality, research background and historical development. May be taught concurrently with PSY 512. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 512 and PSY 612.

PSY 614 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis

Serves as an introduction to the field of applied behavior analysis. During this course, students are introduced to content areas contained in the Behavior Analysis Certification Board Task List. This includes core concepts such as reinforcement, punishment, stimulus control, and principles of shaping. Students will be introduced to functional assessments and functional analyses. Additional topics include verbal behavior and ethical considerations for behavior analysts. May be taught concurrently with PSY 508. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 614 and PSY 508.

PSY 619 Cognitive Development

Recommended Prerequisite: PSY 121 and PSY 331 and 3 additional hours of psychology. Study of cognitive development in children and adolescents. Topics to be included: perception, memory, visual imagery, problem solving, language development, cognitive style, social learning theory, information processing theory, and Piaget's theory. Applications in education, child rearing, and behavior management. May be taught concurrently with PSY 519. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 519 and PSY 619.

PSY 623 Psychology and Language

Recommended Prerequisite: 6 hours of Psychology. An examination into the nature of and research in human language and its relationship to psychology. Topics will include the biological bases of language, speech production and perception, word recognition, sentence processing, reading, discourse, dyslexia, grammar and the lexicon. This course will cover current theories on these topics and experimental paradigms analyzing language and psychology. May be taught concurrently with PSY 523. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 623 and PSY 523.

PSY 627 Advanced Psychological Statistical Methods

Recommended Prerequisite: introductory statistics course selected from PSY 200, 711; AGR 330; ECO 308; MTH 340; QBA 237; REC 328; SOC 302; or equivalent. A review of introductory statistics and investigation of research methods in behavioral sciences that require multivariate statistical models. This course takes an applied orientation and emphasizes the use of statistical packages. Topics include: linear models, principal components analysis, discriminant analysis, multiple regression analysis, multiple regression with categorical variables, and multi-factor ANOVA. May be taught concurrently with PSY 527. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 527 and PSY 627.

PSY 633 Psychological Issues in Religion

Recommended Prerequisite: PSY 121 and REL 100. Comprehensive overview of historical background, research methods, and contemporary issues involving behavior and religious beliefs. Psychological research in the areas of religious development and cognition will be included. May be taught concurrently with PSY 533. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 533 and PSY 633.

PSY 635 Discipline and Social Behavior in the Classroom

Recommended Prerequisite: PSY 121; and either PSY 360, PSY 380, PSY 385, or PSY 390. Provides a psychological perspective of individual and social factors necessary to develop an effective eclectic approach to discipline and an understanding of social behavior in the classroom. Includes an emphasis on personal, social, and motivational development. May be taught concurrently with PSY 535. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 535 and PSY 635.

PSY 649 Developing Sport Team Leaders

This online course delivers leadership, team processes, and motivation principles to help coaches develop the leadership skills of sport team athletes. This course aligns sport program goals with educational goals by utilizing athletic settings to promote skills that student-athletes can apply on sport teams and in other group settings. Coaches will learn how to set specific leadership goals with team leader-athletes and will learn concrete and constructive ways to mentor leader-athletes. Coaches will use course principles to construct a plan for developing sport team leaders and for making "team leadership" a core team value. May be taught concurrently with PSY 555. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 555 and PSY 649.

PSY 657 Forensic Psychology: Child Abuse and the Law

Study of the legal issues related to child abuse and exploitation. Students will gain an understanding of the law pertaining to child cases and how interactions with children can bolster or diminish the quality of children's memory report as seen by the judicial system. The Greene County Prosecutor's Office will participate in the design of this course, thus the specific legal issues discussed will remain current and may change based on the needs of the community. May be taught concurrently with PSY 557. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 657 and PSY 557. Identical with CRM 657. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 657 and CRM 657.

PSY 695 Specialized Topics in Psychology

Recommended Prerequisite: 9 hours of Psychology. Specialized investigation into selected topics in psychology. Graduate students will be required to complete an extra project to be determined by the instructor. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours if topic is different. Variable content course. May be taught concurrently with PSY 597. Cannot receive credit for both PSY 695 and PSY 597.

PSY 701 Symposium in Psychology

Specific topics selected to introduce graduate students to research and theory. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours.

PSY 705 Psychology of Adolescence

Depth investigation of growth and development during the adolescent period. Experimental evidence and clinical evaluation used to supplement consideration of major theories of adolescence.

PSY 708 Memory

Provides in-depth analyses of historical and current theories and associated research in higher mental cognition processing. Primary emphasis is on normal human adult functioning, although associated topics such as cognitive development, learning dysfunctions and skill enhancement will be considered.

PSY 710 Psychology of Education

Orientation to the use of psychology in education.

PSY 716 Personnel Psychology

A survey of the psychological principles, theory, and research related to personnel practices in organizations. Topics include job analysis, performance appraisal and criterion development, individual differences measurement, personnel selection, and reliability, validity, and utility analysis.

PSY 720 Individual Intelligence Testing

Prerequisite: PSY 629 or COU 701.

Analysis of individual tests of intelligence; Wechsler Scales and the Revised Stanford Binet. Students receive supervised practice in administration, scoring and interpretation of individual tests. Supplemental course fee.

PSY 730 Projective Techniques

Prerequisite: COU 701 and PSY 720.

Introduction to theory of and basic underlying projective methods.

PSY 742 Practicum in Psychological Assessment

Prerequisite: PSY 740 and PSY 750 and permission of instructor.

Supervised experience in assessment, diagnoses and report-writing with clients at a community mental health facility. Site arrangements must be made by the Practicum Coordinator during the preceding semester. Consists of a one-hour seminar on campus and 4 hours at the practicum site each week. May be repeated and a minimum grade of "B" must be maintained.

PSY 747 Single Subject Research Design in Applied Behavior Analysis

Prerequisite: admission to Applied Behavior Analysis program or permission of instructor.

Provides instruction in the use of single subject design research methods, in both experimental and applied settings. Instruction provided in behavioral measurement via direct and indirect observation, the employment of group and individual (single-subject) time series designs, statistical approaches for within-group and single-subject design data analysis and interpretation, and use of data to evaluate interventions. The course also considers professional issues in the ethical conduct of research and practice.

PSY 751 Seminar in Methods of Research

Prerequisite: PSY 710 and PSY 711.

Investigation of research methods employed in education and psychology.

PSY 753 Program Evaluation

Prerequisite: PSY 745.

The application of research methods to the evaluation of programs and planned change interventions in organizations.

PSY 759 Teaching of Psychology

Must be taken prior to or concurrent with first teaching of any regular or laboratory section of any course. Preparation for teaching college courses, includes development of personal philosophies of teaching; suggestions for active student learning; maintaining student motivation; preparing assignments, in-class presentations, and exams; grading; and classroom management. Designed to help graduate students prepare for their first independent college teaching experiences.

PSY 761 Ethical and Professional Issues

Prerequisite: admission to MS in Psychology or Applied Behavior Analysis.

An exploration of ethical issues, including values, professional responsibilities, and professional ethics codes. Issues are explored both from ethical and legal perspectives. Current professional issues, such as changing modes of assessment and intervention, are examined.

PSY 765 Psychotherapy and Counseling: Theories and Techniques

Prerequisite: admission to MS in Psychology program.

Investigation of the major theoretical approaches and strategies of psychotherapy and counseling along with the techniques associated with each theory. Emphasis on theoretical bases and critical analysis of comparative research.

PSY 767 Behavior Disorders of Childhood

Prerequisite: PSY 766.

Course focuses on assessment and treatment of common childhood behavior disorders. The course emphasizes 1) the study of biological, behavioral, cognitive, and systemic variables in the development of childhood behavior disorders; 2) training in multiaxial diagnostic assessment; and 3) interventions.

PSY 771 Organizational Health Psychology

Prerequisite: PSY 718.

An in-depth consideration of the psychological principles, theory, research, applications and problems associated with occupational stress, safety and health. Topics include personal, organizational, work-related and social antecedents to stress, as well as the short-term and long-term responses to stress.

PSY 773 Human Factors

Prerequisite: PSY 751.

Provides an introduction to human factors engineering (ergonomics) primarily in the workplace. Involves emphasis on analyzing job requirements, human capabilities, human-machine interactions, and safety.

PSY 776 Personnel Selection, Placement and Classification

Prerequisite: PSY 716 and PSY 745.

An in-depth consideration of the theory, research, applications, and problems in matching of individual needs, preferences, skills and abilities with the needs and preferences of organizations. Topics include job analysis, theories of human performance, test development and use, alternative selection techniques, EEO law, criterion development, and validation of selection decisions.

PSY 778 Group Processes

Prerequisite: PSY 718.

An in-depth consideration of theory, research, applications, and problems in group processes in organizations. Topics include models and typologies of group performance, group decision making, group social influence and ecology, leadership, and team staffing and development.

PSY 780 Social Psychology

Prerequisite: admission to the MS in Psychology program.

Advanced study of interactions and social cognition, including attitude change, person perception, and group dynamics.

PSY 797 Directed Research

Prerequisite: admission to MS in Psychology or Applied Behavior Analysis program.

Offers an opportunity for the graduate student to gain additional training through guided research. Such research need not be confined to the campus. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours.

PSY 799 Thesis

Prerequisite: admission to MS in Psychology or Applied Behavior Analysis program.

Independent research and study leading to the completion of the thesis.

GER 300 Service Learning Curricular Component

Prerequisite: 30 hours and concurrent registration in a gerontology course designated as service learning offering.

An integrative learning experience which addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes an 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. May be repeated.

GER 310 Social Forces and Aging

Prerequisite: 45 hours.

Examines the aging process, demographic trends, and the social, economic, and social-psychological aspects of aging in the United States. Students will be introduced to current theories on aging in social gerontology and their application to the everyday lives of older people. Topics of interest include social attitudes toward aging, family and social bonds, work and retirement, gender issues, ethnicity and aging, living environments, and approaches to aging well. Students will learn about the role of federal, state and local agencies in meeting the needs of the elderly. Identical with SOC 375. Cannot receive credit for both GER 310 and SOC 375.

GER 365 Families in Later Life

Prerequisite: PSY 121; and CFD 155 or CFD 163 or 30 hours.

Examination of the structure and function of families in later life. Topics of interest include demographic trends impacting the structure of the family, marriage, sibling relations, parent-adult child relations, grandparenthood, widowhood, and retirement. The application of family theories and their relevance to later life families will be discussed. Identical with CFD 365, SWK 365, and PSY 366. Can only receive credit for one of following: CFD 365, GER 365, PSY 366 or SWK 365.

GER 396 Directed Readings in Gerontology

Prerequisite: 6 hours of gerontology and permission.

Readings designed to supplement material introduced in previous Gerontology courses. Includes a wide selection of literature in the field. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours.

GER 470 Community Resources for Older Adults

Prerequisite: PSY 121.

Covers the services, programs and institutions involved in providing services to older adults in the United States, with a focus on community-based services. Typical needs, issues, concerns and desires of 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 of life and well-being of aging members in our society. Identical with SWK 470. Cannot receive credit for both GER 470 and SWK 470.

GER 598 Supervised Practicum in Gerontology

Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in GER 599; completion of gerontology core courses with a grade of "C" or better in each; and permission of the program coordinator.

Onsite contacts with elderly individuals through an internship at a residential or community placement approved by the coordinator. Direct supervision will be provided by qualified professionals in the field of gerontology. Students will serve 45 clock hours for each credit hour awarded. May be repeated to a total of 12 hours. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.

GER 697 Special Topics in Gerontology

Recommended Prerequisite: 12 hours of Gerontology. In-depth inquiry into selected interdisciplinary topics of contemporary interest in gerontology. Variable content course. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours when topic changes. May be taught concurrently with GER 597. Cannot receive credit for both GER 597 and GER 697.