Gerontology Course List

Select 6 hours from the following List:

300-Level Courses

400-Level Courses


GER 280 - Biology of Aging - 3

Current understanding of aging, measurement of aging changes, theories of aging, and aging changes in various human systems. Prerequisite: BY 123

GER 285 - Introduction to Aging - 3

Aging experience in modern world. Theories of aging, dimensions of aging, everyday concerns associated with aging, and future prospects of aging. Guest lectures by professionals in the field and other faculty in gerontology.

GER 309 - Community Res. for Spec Pop - 3

Analysis of community-based programs for specific populations: older citizens, persons with HIV/AIDS, and the chronic mentally ill.

GER 385 - Social Psychology of Aging - 3

Behavioral and structural relationships of aged population in America. Aging and interpersonal behavior, aging and social structure, and aging and social intervention. Prerequisites: SOC 100

GER 397 - Adv Dir Reading: Bio of Aging - 1 to 3

Reading and independent study in selected areas under supervision of faculty sponsor. Gerontology topic required.

GER 398 - Research Prac in Psychology - 1 to 3

Independent project, study, or reading supervised by member of faculty.

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GER 403 - Politics of Aging - 3

Role of aging in political process. Political demands made by elderly, role of aging in political decision-making, and policy outputs

relevant to older population.

GER 407 - Pathology of Memory - 3

Memory disorders from stand point of experimental psychology and neuropsychology. Amnesic syndrome, dementia, transient

memory disorders, Alzheimer's disease, epidemiology and public health issues.

GER 420 - Anthropology of Old Age - 3

Anthropology of Old Age: Cross-cultural perspective of status alternatives for elderly. Examination of differing roles, especially

kinship, of elderly in Africa, Europe, Oceania, Middle East, and various ethnic groups in U.S.

GER 425 - Psychology of Aging - 3

Age changes in human cognition and behavior. Sensory processes, memory, intelligence, physiology and health, psychopathology,

and life-span development and adjustment.

GER 438 - Gero/Geriatrics Multi-Core - 3

GER 455 - Minority Aging - 3

Cross-racial/ethnic exploration on national level of special problems of minority aged groups such as Latinos, Blacks, Chinese,

Japanese, Koreans, Pacific-Asians, and American Indians. Family, church, health care, housing, adult education, retirement,

income, and recreation. Prerequisite: SOC 100

GER 456 - Death and Dying - 3

Death and dying from sociological and social psychological perspectives. Social significance of death as human existential phenomenon. Recent trends in definition, distribution, and handling of death and dying (e.g., interaction with dying persons, hospice

movement, and funeral practices).

Prerequisite: SOC 100

GER 457 - The Aging Family - 3

Exploration of changes in family structure; status of aging in family in various societies; intra-and inter-generational relations;

family-related role transitions. Prerequisite: SOC 100

GER 459 - Aging: Policy and Programs - 3

Analysis of American social policies on aging and aged. Survey of related legislation, programs, and services. Special focus on evaluating effects of policies and programs for aged.

GER 462 - Environment and Aging - 3

Analysis of special consequences of residential environment for older people. Patterns of residence among elderly; fit between lifestyles and types of residence; consequences of living in segregated versus age-integrated neighborhoods, retirement homes, and nursing homes; examination of policy options.

GER 469 - Sociology of Aging - 3

How role and status changes with age in relation to major social institutions; adjustments people make to such changes. Aging

population's impact on society and effect of society on aged.

GER 485 - Age Stratification - 3

Description of normal aging process; survey of individual troubles and group social problems associated with aged. Specific topics

include health, economic status, work/retirement, family relations, housing/living environments, and transportation problems.

GER 488 - Sociological Practice - 3

Students will be involved in community research projects related to intergenerational relations, aging, medicine, and/or health.

Placement in community organizations, e.g. schools, senior centers, to focus on research methods related to social policy.

Prerequisite: SOC 100

GER 490 - Independent Study: Sociology - 1 to 3

Individually designed programs for students wishing to conduct semi-independent research or guided reading in gerontology.

GER 491 - Independent Study: Sociology - 1 to 3

Individually designed programs for students wishing to conduct semi-independent research or guided reading in gerontology.

GER 498 - Independent Study I - 1 to 3

Community service projects under direction of faculty.

GER 499 - Independent Study II - 1 to 3

Community service projects under direction of faculty.


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