Gerontology course descriptions
GERO 500 Issues in Gerontology & 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 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.
GERO 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. 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.
GERO 503 Mental Health and Aging (3)
This course will provide students with a comprehensive study of mental health issues associated with aging.
GERO 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.
GERO/ENG/HIST 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 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.
GERO/CTA 513 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.
GERO 514 Aging Policy, Programs & Services (3)
This course surveys contemporary policies, programs and services for an aging population.
GERO/BUS 515 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.
GERO/HHP 516 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.
GERO/BIO 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.
GERO 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.
GERO 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.
GERO 520 Long-Term Care Administration (3)
This course surveys issues and best practices related to Long-Term Care Administration.
GERO 521 Events and Activities Management (3)
This course reviews strategies and philosophies in event planning and activity management for organizations and businesses. A special emphasis is given to creating educational, intergenerational and elder family programming and services.
GERO 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 topic area and expertise of the instructor.
GERO 599 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.
