Gerontology course descriptions

See CTA-205.

Gero-400 Issues in Gerontology and Aging Studies (3)

This course provides students with an overview of the field of gerontology, issues and research in aging as well as an introduction to careers in aging. Course includes basics of reading and using gerontological research. The course is offered as an elective in select programs and as part of the gerontology and aging studies programs.

Gero-401 Health Aspects of Aging (3)

This course is designed to develop and expand knowledge and skill to understand and address contemporary health issues in aging. Prerequisite: Gero/CTA 205.

Gero-402 Social Gerontology (3)

Social gerontology is the study of the nonphysical aspects of human aging and includes the psychological, social psychological and social aspects of aging. Aging is a multi-faceted process that covers multiple academic disciplines. Social gerontology integrates scientific knowledge about social policy and professional practice into the knowledge base created by basic social scientific research. Course includes a review of principles of gerontological research. Prerequisite: Gero/CTA 205.

Gero-403 Mental Health and Aging (3)

This course will provide students with a comprehensive study of mental health issues associated with aging. Prerequisite: Gero/CTA 205.

Gero-404 Faith Development & Later Life (3)

This course introduces students to issues, concerns and research in the spiritual development of individuals as they age. The course supplements sociological, biological and psychological theories of lifespan development and explores issues of aging and ministry. Prerequisite: Gero/CTA 205.

Gero-411 History and Literature of Aging (3)

This course explores historical, social and literary depictions/understandings of aging in Western and non-Western cultures with an eye toward a richer understanding of what it means to age in the world today. Same as Eng-411 and Hist-411.

Gero-412 Life Review, Autobiography and Creative Non-Fiction (3)

This course explores the theoretical concept and value of life review while researching and developing techniques in the writing of autobiography and creative non-fiction. Same as Eng-412.

Gero-413 Aging and Communication (3)

This course examines lifespan communication issues including: aging and media, marketing to older adults, lifespan language and communication development, caregiver/receiver communication and intergenerational relationship development. Same as CTA-413.

Gero-414 Aging Policy, Programs & Services (3)

This course surveys contemporary policies, programs and services for an aging population.

Gero-415 Retirement & Lifespan Financial Issues (3)

This course explores the impacts of an aging society on financial planning and retirement. Students will study in-depth issues in lifespan financial planning. Same as Bus-415.

Gero-416 Health Programming and Later Life (3)

This course explores specific health needs of aging individuals and assists students in identifying techniques and strategies used in developing programs for the older adult. The evaluation of programs and the effect upon the older adult will be investigated. Same as HHP-416.

Gero-417 Aging and the Brain (3)

This course explores the biological development of the human brain throughout the lifespan and examines the biological changes underlying common age-related neuropathies. Same as Bio-417.

Gero-418 Nutrition & the Older Adult (3)

This course examines in depth, the importance of nutrition across the lifespan with specific attention to the particular nutritional needs of older adults.

Gero-419 Death, Dying and Trauma (3)

This course examines the processes, theories and responses to individual and collective trauma, the processes and tasks of dying and the issues of death and bereavement.

Gero-498 Special Topics in Aging (3)

This course examines special issues in aging and gerontology. Topics are specific to the needs of students in the topic area and expertise of the instructor.

Gero-499 Practicum (3)

The practicum requires students to conduct programmatic research and implement an aging services project in their area of professional interest. Students must interview with and gain permission from the program director before enrolling.