In addition, the student chooses elective courses offered in this major and/or from the program curricula of other majors. If the requisite course is waived, the student must choose an elective course from this major or from the program curriculum of another major. Students pursuing dual majors who have the requisite course(s) waived will complete only the remaining required courses for the dual majors. The required courses and electives listed in this core may be taken as directed studies, subject to the conditions stated in the Directed Studies section listed under Academic Policies and Procedures.
GERN 5000 Gerontology (Requisite Course)
This course introduces the student to the gerontology specialty area. The course provides the student with an overview of the psychological, sociological, political, and physiological processes related to aging and the elderly. This course includes an examination of basic theoretical perspectives, problems, and the future of gerontology.
GERN 5500 Professional Seminars
Students participate in seminars designed to examine contemporary issues in gerontology. The professional seminar supplements the core and elective courses in the area of gerontology by focusing on issues of current and special interest. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs. Graduate students may apply a maximum of 3 credit hours of these seminars as electives to meet the credit hour requirements for graduation. This course may not be completed by directed study.
GERN 5600 Economic Issues for Older Adults
This course focuses on the economic issues relevant to middle-aged and older adults. The student examines topics related to pre- and post retirement planning, such as financial planning, housing options, and legal concerns. Particular emphasis is placed on what gerontology specialists can do to assist middle-aged and older adults in facing later life transitions. The course includes an examination of the economic impact of the older adult on society.
GERN 5620 Physiology of Aging
This course provides the student with an overview of the changes that occur in the human body as a function of age. All of the major systems within the human body are discussed, ranging from the cardiovascular system to the central nervous system. This course focuses on normal, age-related physiological changes; however, age-related dysfunctional changes are also discussed. Additional emphasis is placed on the implications of physiological change on the psychological functioning of the aging individual.
GERN 5630 Psychology of Aging
This course provides the student with an introduction and analysis of current knowledge and concerns related to psychological aging. It addresses the theoretical and empirical foundations relevant to the psychological study of the later part of the life span. The course is taught from an interdisciplinary perspective and focuses on topics related to perceptual, cognitive, personality, and interpersonal social development. Issues related to psychological adjustment and the topic of death and dying are examined.
GERN 5640 Management of Programs for Older Adults
The student examines the theory and practices relevant to the management and administration of organizations. Particular focus is placed on organizations providing services for the elderly. The economic, political, legal, and social issues that affect these organizations are studied in the context of the effect these issues have on the administration of services. Identification of deficiencies in current programs and the proposing of alternative modes of care for the elderly are explored.
GERN 5660 Research and Assessment in Gerontology
This course introduces the student to basic statistical methods, methods of research, and methods of assessment. The research aspect of the course includes the empirical research process, the deductive method, the inductive method, the survey, the field experiment, the field study, and program evaluation. In addition, the student is introduced to the basics of statistics as these apply to research and assessment. Basic research methods in gerontological administration and programming are examined and applied.
GERN 5670 Social and Political Perspectives in Gerontology
Social and political realities confronting older adults are explored in this course. Social issues such as ageism, homelessness, and poverty as they relate to the older adult are examined. In addition, issues affecting particular groups such as older women and members of minority groups are discussed. Students examine the historic and current legislative programming relevant to the elderly and strategies of political involvement, advocacy, and influence building.
GERN 5680 Practicum in Gerontology
Professional training provided by gerontological specialists in aging network, business, social service, and health care industries. Field placement dependent upon student's discipline or profession. A formal practicum proposal must be submitted to the program mentor before a student can register for the practicum. Minimum of 3 hours of practicum required for Master of Arts in Gerontology. Practicum may be waived by the program mentor for those students with extensive prior gerontological experience. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours.
GERN 5690 Issues in Gerontology
Current and significant issues in gerontology are examined. The course focuses on existing theories and practices, with emphasis given to new and emerging topics in the field. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs.
GERN 6000 Integrated Studies in Gerontology
The student is expected to synthesize and integrate the learning experiences acquired in gerontology and to evaluate the research and current topics relative to this major. Thechniques used to accomplish these goals may vary. Prerequisite: completion of all other required courses in this major.