Gerontology Courses
Gero/CTA-205 Adult Development & Aging (3)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 (3)
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. Offered on-line and in hybrid formats.
Gero-4/501 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. 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 (3)
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.
Gero-4/503 Mental Health and Aging (3)
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.
Gero-4/504 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. Undergraduate prerequisite is Gero/CTA 205.
Gero/Eng/Hist-4/511 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.
Gero/Eng-4/512 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. Offered online and in hybrid formats.
Gero/CTA-5/413 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. Offered online.
Gero-4/514 Aging Policy, Programs & Services (3)
This course surveys contemporary policies, programs and services for an aging population. Offered online.
Gero-4/515 & Bus 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. Offered intensive term.
Gero/Bio 4/517 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. (Format to be announced).
Gero-4/518 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. Offered online.
HHP-488 Health Promotion Programming (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.
Gero-4/519 Death, Dying & 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. Offered in a seven week, one night weekly term.
Gero-498/598 Special Topics in Aging (3)
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 and include seminars in Long Term Care Administration, Disaster and Crisis Mental Health and Health Promotion.
Gero-5/499 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.
