Courses in Gerontology
GRN 101: Intro to Social Gerontology (3)
Prerequisite:
This comprehensive course provides an overview of the field of gerontology. We are living in an aging society, one in which the older population is growing both in absolute numbers and proportion to all other age groups. This aging is accompanied by a demand for new products and services appropriate to the needs of older people. This
multidisciplinary course will assist the student in understanding physical, mental and social changes in older people as they age. It will include the investigation of the changes in society resulting from our diverse aging population. This course also introduces students to such salient topics as the common myths and stereotypes about aging and older
adults. Opportunity for experiential learning is made possible through a service-learning component. Students serve the elderly by working with the residents at a local long-
term facility. (Offered as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: None.
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GRN 201: Sociology of Aging (3)
Prerequisite:
The purpose of this course is to study the area of gerontology that is concerned with impact of social and socio-cultural conditions on the process of aging and with the social consequences of this process. It will explore how the older population and the varieties of aging experiences both affect and are affected by the social structure. Questions about what societal resources will be required to support the growing older population.
(Offered as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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GRN 203: Psychology of Aging (3)
Prerequisite:
This course examines psychological development of old age. Perceptual, cognitive, learning, and motivational processes are studied in relation to the physical changes that individuals experience and the social worlds they inhabit in adulthood. Personality, morality, sex-role, intelligence, intimacy and careers are some of the topics considered within a
developmental perspective. This course is
offered as needed.
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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GRN 220: Issues in Death and Dying (3)
Prerequisite:
Dying is the last stage of living. The dying process is as individual as each person is unique. This course will help the student develop a positive attitude toward death and dying and provide a knowledge base for
working with individuals and their families. Medical technology has the capacity to prolong life. This and the changing legal and moral attitudes have contributed to many ethical issues and dilemmas. These will be
investigated and possible solutions explored. An experiential learning component involving hospice and palliative care is a
requirement of this course. This course is
offered as needed.
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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GRN 301: Perspectives on Aging (3)
Prerequisite:
An intensive study of aging from an interdisciplinary perspective. The purpose of this course is to contribute knowledge essential for meeting the challenges of an aging society. An examination of the profound effect on individuals, families, communities and society as a whole. Family relationships, the composition of the work force, housing needs, healthcare services, public policies, and the marketing of products and services are explored. Opportunity for experiential learning is made possible through a service-learning component. Students serve in a variety of community agencies that are part of the Aging Network. (Offered every spring).
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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GRN 340: Contemporary Issues in Gerontology (3)
Prerequisite:
Many institutional policies and programs are in place to deal with individual aging but our society needs to begin to address the issues
generated by “population aging.” During the 20th century nearly three decades have been added to human life expectancy. Today nearly a third of adult life may be spent in retirement. This course will allow the student
to study the economics and the policies of aging. The challenge is to reexamine the policies and practices, such as retirement, pensions and other familiar government programs such as social security and Medicare.
This course is offered as needed.
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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GRN 343: Health Care for the Older Adult (3)
Prerequisite:
Recent improvements in health care and disease prevention mean that most people will remain in relatively good health. This course will provide the nurse and other health care workers essential knowledge and tools to
assist the older adults and their families remain physically, emotionally and spiritually well. Students will explore the influence of gender, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status on health. Diseases common to the
older adult will also be studied and how to best assist the older adult to live with a
chronic illness. This course is offered as
needed.
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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GRN 395: Field Work in Gerontology (3)
Prerequisite:
This practicum offers the certificate program students a critical opportunity to design a learning experience suitable to their individual learning goals. The possible areas of study may include but are not limited to healthcare, recreation, social service, administration and long term care. Students are directed to explore topics of professional interest to them. The practicum experience requires a minimum of 140 clock hours. The gerontology program coordinator will work with students to select appropriate field sites and develop a customized learning contract, which includes educational outcomes and
assessment strategies. This course is offered
as needed.
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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GRN 399: Independent Study (1-3)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
(Offered
as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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