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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.

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 is intended for students in gerontology and in other fields who are interested in a humanistic approach to understanding significant issues which affect the lives of older people. (Cross-listed with GERO 8356).

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 course 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.

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).

This course is provided to give the student an historical overview of programs for the elderly; 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 is designed to involve candidates in the exploration of the developmental tasks of mid-life, myths and realities related to career change as well as the implication of preretirement planning. Factual information, as well as model examination and evaluation are presented to aid the candidate in becoming better equipped to understand some of the forces which affect the well-being of middle aged persons as they prepare for the later years. (Cross-listed with COUN 8756, GERO 8756).

Prereq: Not open to non-degree graduate students.

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

Prereq: Six hours in gerontology or 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.

This course is intended for students in gerontology and in other fields who are interested in a humanistic approach to understanding significant issues which affect the lives of older people. (Cross-listed with GERO 4350).

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 GERO 4460, PSYC 4460)

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 4470, PSYC 4470, PSYC 8476).

Prereq: Junior or senior.

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).

This course is provided to give the student a historical overview of programs for the elderly; 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 is designed to involve candidates in the exploration of the developmental tasks of mid-life, myths and realities related to career change as well as the implication of preretirement planning. Factual information, as well as model examination and evaluation are presented to aid the candidate in becoming better equipped to understand some of the forces which affect the well-being of middle aged persons as they prepare for the later years. (Cross-listed with COUN 8756, GERO 4750).

Prereq: Not open to non-degree graduate students.

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.

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 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.