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An introduction to social gerontology and human development in later life; emphasis is on important elements of aging, such as socialization, family interaction, retirement, physical and psychological aging, and perceptions of older persons in contemporary society.

An interdisciplinary survey of literature in the field of thanatology, with an emphasis on working with the older patient and his or her family. (Cross-listed with PHHB 3070).

The Biological Bases of Aging Course provides a survey of the primary topics in the biology of aging field for undergraduate students. This a required course for the Gerontology major. By the end of the course, students will understand major theories, biological methods, and seminal research studies in the biology of aging field. Furthermore, students will learn how to critically analyze and interpret primary research about biological aging. This course provides preparation for students considering graduate school in gerontology or biology, geriatric nursing and social work, geriatric medicine, neuroscience, psychology, and exercise science. (Cross-listed with BIOL 3500, NEUR 3500)

Prereq: Sophomore/Junior/Senior Standing. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

This course covers biological aging topics at an advanced level, and is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who have some prior knowledge about biology or aging. The course will be interdisciplinary in nature and focus on topics relevant to gerontology, biology, psychology, and exercise science. Students will learn how to think critically about primary research in the biology of aging. Furthermore, they will apply their knowledge of the biology of aging field by creating a handbook of healthy aging for older adults. (Cross-listed with GERO 8056, NEUR 4050).

This course will introduce students to important theories and concepts in the sociological study of aging and give deeper understanding of the experiences that people encounter as they grow older, including retirement, disease and disability, and long-term care. In addition to exploring the challenges faced by older adults, this course will focus on factors that contribute to successful aging. (Cross-listed with GERO 8446).

The focus of this course is on the major social and psychological changes that occur as a function of aging. Both normal and abnormal patterns of developmental change are examined, along with their implications for behavior. (Cross-listed with PSYC 4460, GERO 8466).

Prereq: Junior or senior.

The goal of this courses is to survey the mental health needs of older adults. Consideration is given to identifying both positive mental health and pathological conditions. Treatment interventions effective with older adults and their families are also discussed. (Cross-listed with GERO 8476, PSYC 4470, PSYC 8476).

Prereq: Junior or Senior

The study of ageing around the world by a comparative method in a cross-cultural and cross-national framework. An explanation of some practical experiences and developments in Europe, Asia and Africa will be examined. (Cross-listed with GERO 8486).

This course emphasizes health promotion for older adults. Special health needs of older Americans are compared and contrasted with health needs for other age groups. Prevention or delaying of chronic diseases and disorders are emphasized. (Cross-listed with GERO 8556, PHHB 4550, PHHB 8556, WGST 4550).

The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of the relationship between nutrition and successful or usual aging. This course will review the basics of good nutrition and relate them to the usual food intake of older adults. It will identify the impact of poor nutrition. This course will also look at the role nutrition plays in various disease processes that are associated with aging. It will provide information about support services that are available to assure good nutrition into old age for those living independently. (Cross-listed with GERO 8566).

Prereq: Junior Standing.

This course is provided to give the student an historical overview of programs for older adults; examine the national policy process as it relates to the older American; and review the principles and practices relative to the existing national programs for the aged. (Cross-listed with GERO 8676, PA 8676).

Prereq: Junior or senior. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge of the differing status, attitudes, and experiences of older adults who identify as members of minority groups in the U.S. This course examines various social policies, service systems, and practice models in terms of their relevance and effectiveness in meeting the needs of an increasing and diverse aging population. (Cross-listed with GERO 8696, SOWK 4040, SOWK 8046).

This course examines the hospice concept and other related services available in the community. The student will learn that hospice is an alternative to the traditional medical model. (Cross-listed with GERO 8856, SOWK 4850, SOWK 8856.)

Special studies designed around the interests and needs of the individual student in such areas as the psychology, sociology, economics, biology, or politics of aging, as well as operation of various service systems. This independent study may include a literature review or a field project in which experience is gained in the community, identifying and analyzing needs and services related to older people.

Prereq: Instructor permission.

This course provides the opportunity to students to share field experiences; to obtain guidance concerning various relationships with agency, staff and clients; and to develop a broadly based perspective of the field of aging.

Prereq: Nine hours in gerontology and permission. Students must be enrolled in the GERO program and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

An introduction to research methods and statistical procedures in the social and behavioral sciences.

This course covers biological aging topics at an advanced level, and is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who have some prior knowledge about biology or aging. The course will be interdisciplinary in nature and focus on topics relevant to gerontology, biology, psychology, and exercise science. Students will learn how to think critically about primary research in the biology of aging. Furthermore, they will apply their knowledge of the biology of aging field by creating a handbook of healthy aging for older adults. (Cross-listed with GERO 4050, NEUR 4050).

Prereq: Junior or senior standing for undergraduate students or graduate level standing

This course will introduce students to important theories and concepts in the sociological study of aging and give deeper understanding of the experiences that people encounter as they grow older, including retirement, disease and disability, and long-term care. In addition to exploring the challenges faced by older adults, this course will focus on factors that contribute to successful aging. (Cross-listed with GERO 4440).

Prereq: Graduate Students

The goal of this courses is to survey the mental health needs of older adults. Consideration is given to identifying both positive mental health and pathological conditions. Treatment interventions effective with older adults and their families are also discussed. (Cross-listed with GERO 4470, PSYC 4470, PSYC 8476).

Prereq: Junior or Senior

The study of ageing around the world by a comparative method in a cross-cultural and cross-national framework. An explanation of some practical experiences and developments in Europe, Asia and Africa will be examined. (Cross-listed with GERO 4480).

This course emphasizes health promotion for older adults. Special health needs of older Americans are compared and contrasted with health needs for other age groups. Prevention or delaying of chronic diseases and disorders are emphasized. (Cross-listed with GERO 4550, PHHB 4550, PHHB 8556, WGST 4550).

The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of the relationship between nutrition and successful or usual aging. This course will review the basics of good nutrition and relate them to the usual food intake of older adults. It will identify the impact of poor nutrition. This course will also look at the role nutrition plays in various disease processes that are associated with aging. It will provide information about support services that are available to assure good nutrition into old age for those living independently. (Cross-listed with GERO 4560).

This course is provided to give the student an historical overview of programs for older adults; examine the national policy process as it relates to the older American; and review the principles and practices relative to the existing national programs for the aged. (Cross-listed with GERO 4670, PA 8676).

Prereq: Not open to non-degree graduate students.

This course examines the hospice concept and other related services available in the community. The student will learn that hospice is an alternative to the traditional medical model. (Cross-listed with GERO 4850, SOWK 4850, SOWK 8856).

Special studies designed around the interests and needs of the individual student in such areas as the psychology, sociology, economics, biology, or politics of aging, as well as operation of various service systems. This independent study may include a literature review or a field project in which experience is gained in the community, identifying and analyzing needs and services related to older people.

Prereq: Instructor permission

This course provides the opportunity to students to share field experiences; to obtain guidance concerning various relationships with agency, staff and clients; and to develop a broadly based perspective of the field of aging.

Prereq: Nine hours in gerontology and permission. Students must be enrolled in the certificate or degree program (MA, PhD) as well as have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Not open to non-degree students.

In this course, we will examine the experience of aging and of being an older person through the world's great literature. We will study this universal experience by reading novels, short stories, poems, plays, and personal narratives from across different eras and cultures. In this way we hope to come to a better understanding of: 1) the older adults we serve as patients and clients; 2) our own aging process and those of our close family members and friends; 3) literary works and their relevance in our everyday lives.

Prereq: Graduate students only.

Independent research project required of all students working toward the Master of Arts degree. The thesis is written under the supervision of the thesis adviser and the thesis committee.

Prereq: Permission from adviser.

This course will examine in detail age-related changes in psychological processes and explore the implications of these changes for behavior. The course is intended primarily for graduate students in psychology and gerontology. (Cross-listed with PSYC 9460).

Prereq: Graduate standing in gerontology or psychology or permission of the instructor.

This course provides doctoral students pursuing the PhD in Human Sciences with a specialization in gerontology to complete a dissertation research plan. The course learning activities will focus on the completion of an approved dissertation.

Prereq: Admittance to the PhD in Human Sciences with a specialization in gerontology. Not open to non-degree graduate students.