Courses

Gero/CTA 205 – Adult Development & Aging (UG)

This course provides students with an overview of adult lifespan development from a psychological and communicative perspective, as well as an introduction to aging studies overall. The course is offered as an elective to students in BA programs and to students in gerontology areas.

Gero 4/500 – Issues in Gerontology & Aging Studies

This course provides students with an overview of the field of gerontology, current issues in aging, government policy on aging 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. Typically the course is offered face to face, but the option of a self-study exists.

Gero 4/501 – Health Aspects of Aging

This course is designed to develop and expand knowledge and skill to understand and address contemporary health issues in aging. The course reviews productive and healthy aging programs, normal aging, age correlated disease and lifespan health. Undergraduate prerequisite is Gero/CTA 205. Online only.

Gero 4/502 – Social Gerontology

Social gerontology is the study of the nonphysical aspects of human aging and includes the psychological, social psychological and social aspects of aging. 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 selecting of topics from ageism, theories of development, family and relational networks, sexuality and gender, retirement and financial issues related to social development, and aging and economics. Topics include: Undergraduate prerequisite is Gero/CTA 205. Online only.

Gero 4/503 – Mental Health and Aging

This course will provide students with a comprehensive study of mental health issues associated with aging. Issues include: depression, dementia and the management of lifelong conditions in later life. Undergraduate prerequisite is Gero/CTA 205. Online only.

Gero 4/504 – Faith Development & Later Life

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. Undergraduate prerequisite is Gero/CTA 205. Online only.

Gero/Eng/Hist 4/511 – History and Literature of Aging

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. Offered online and in intensive term.

Gero/Eng 4/512 – Life Review, Autobiography and Creative Non-Fiction

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. Offered online and in intensive term.

Gero/CTA 5/413 – Aging and Communication

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. Offered online and through self-study.

Gero 4/514 – Aging Policy, Programs & Services

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

Gero 4/515 & Bus 415 – Retirement & Lifespan Financial Issues

This course explores the impacts of an aging society on financial planning and retirement. Students will study in-depth issues in lifespan financial planning. Offered in intensive term.

Gero/Bio 4/517 – Aging and the Brain

This course explores the biological development of the human brain throughout the lifespan and examines the biological changes underlying common age-related neuropathies. (Format to be announced).

Gero 4/518 – Nutrition & the Older Adult

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

Gero/HHP 5/416 – Health Programming and Later Life

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. (Format to be announced.)

Gero 4/519 – Death, Dying & Trauma

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. Offered through intensive term and online.

Gero 498/598 – Special Topics in Aging

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

Gero 5/499 – Practicum

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.