Gerontology (GERON)

GERON 234. Adult Development and Aging.

(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: HD FS 102
Introductory exploration of the health, individual and social factors associated with adult development including young adulthood, middle age and older adulthood. Information is presented from a life-span developmental framework.

GERON 373. Death as a Part of Living.

(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years. Prereq: HD FS 102
Consideration of death in the life span of the individual and the family with opportunity for exploration of personal and societal attitudes.

GERON 377. Aging and the Family.

(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.Alt. SS., offered odd-numbered years. Prereq: HD FS 102
Interchanges of the aged and their families. Emphasis on role changes, social interaction, and independence as influenced by health, finances, life styles, and community development.

Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

GERON 378. Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits.

(Cross-listed with ECON, HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 3 credits in Principles of Economics and 3 credits in Human Development and Family Studies
Economic well-being in the context of demographic change, the present and future of Social Security, family retirement needs analysis, investment strategies and characteristics of retirement plans, helping others to work towards financial security, family economic issues for retired persons. Overview of employee and retirement benefits.

Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

GERON 414. Gerontechnology in Smart Home Environments.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: COM S 227 or (COM S 207 or GERON 377 or ARTGR 271) or equivalent.
An interdisciplinary course designed for students who are interested in assistive technology, pervasive computing, mobile computing and principles of universal and inclusive design for end users, in particular, the elderly population. Students will work in semester-long projects as interdisciplinary teams to apply knowledge obtained from lectures and mutual presentations. For graduate credit students are required to submit a research report and give an oral presentation.

GERON 415. Gerontechnology in Smart Home Environments.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: COM S 227 or (COM S 207 or GERON 377)
An interdisciplinary course designed for students who are interested in assistive technology, pervasive computing, mobile computing and principles of universal software design for end users, in particular the elderly population. Students will have the chance to learn both about the theories and principles about aging and assistive technology, as well as to engage in the practical semester-long project while working with students from other disciplines.

GERON 463. Environments for the Aging.

(Dual-listed with GERON 563). (Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: HD FS 360 or 3 credits in housing, architecture, interior design, rehabilitation, psychology, or human development and family studies
Emphasis on independent living within residential settings including specialized shelter, supportive services, and housing management. Application of criteria appropriate for accessibility and functional performance of activities; universal design principles. Creative project provides service learning opportunities.

Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

GERON 466. Gerontology Prepracticum Seminar.

(1-0) Cr. 1. F.S.SS. Prereq: 9 credits in core courses for the gerontology minor and approval of the gerontology undergraduate coordinator
Prepracticum training for students planning a gerontology practicum. Exploration of possible agencies for the practicum, in-depth study of a selected agency, and development of goals and objectives for the practicum.

GERON 467. Gerontology Practicum.

Cr. 3-6. Repeatable. F.S.SS. Prereq: GERON 466, advance reservation
Supervised field experience related to aging. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

GERON 490. Independent Study.

Cr. arr.
Consult program coordinator for procedure.

GERON 501. Seminar.

Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

GERON 510. Survey of Gerontology.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. S.
Provides an overview of important gerontological issues.

GERON 514. Gerontechnology in Smart Home Environments.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: COM S 227 or (COM S 207 or GERON 377 or ARTGR 271) or equivalent.
An interdisciplinary course designed for students who are interested in assistive technology, pervasive computing, mobile computing and principles of universal and inclusive design for end users, in particular, the elderly population. Students will work in semester-long projects as interdisciplinary teams to apply knowledge obtained from lectures and mutual presentations. For graduate credit students are required to submit a research report and give an oral presentation.

GERON 520. Women and Aging.

(3-0) Cr. 3. SS.
Women and Aging is the study of theory, research and application of issues related to women and the aging experience. This course will examine gender differences in areas such as health, mental health, income security, crime, and public policy. Attention will be given to ways in which younger women can prepare to meet the challenges and opportunities awaiting them as they age.

GERON 521. Biological Principles of Aging.

(3-0) Cr. 3. SS.
Basic biological principles of aging. Course modules include an introduction to the aging process, body systems and normal aging, and environment and the biology of aging. In addition, disorders and diseases of aging, prevention and treatment and exercise and aging topics will be covered.

GERON 522. Long-Term Care.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Administration principles involved in the planning, organizing and directing of long-term care agencies. Includes an in-depth exposure to federal and state standards and regulations governing,long-term care.

GERON 523. Mental Health and Aging.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Introduction to the range of issues involved in aging and mental health. From a systems framework the major emotional and psychiatric problems encountered in old age will be examined including mood, anxiety, adjustment and personality disorders, dementia, cognitive problems, substance abuse, and suicide. Barriers to treatment and cohort and cultural issues will be explored.

GERON 524. Cognitive Health.

(3-0) Cr. 3. SS.
Cognitive skills form the foundation for functioning in everyday life and these skills take on added importance in older adulthood. This course focuses on selected theoretical approaches and current research related to cognitive aging. We will review normative and non-normative cognitive changes, assessment techniques, and prevention/intervention efforts. Throughout the course we will keep the role of environment and life-span implications in the forefront of our discussion.

GERON 530. Perspectives in Gerontology.

(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Overview of current aging issues including theory and research, critical social and political issues in aging, the interdisciplinary focus of gerontology, career opportunities, and aging in the future. (on-line course offering via Distance Education).

GERON 534. Adult Development.

(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Exploration of the biological, psychological and social factors associated with aging. Although the focus is on the later years, information is presented from a life-span developmental framework. Empirical studies are reviewed and their strengths, limitations and implications for normative and optimal functioning are discussed. (on-line course offering via Distance Education).

GERON 540. Nutrition and Physical Activity in Aging.

(Cross-listed with DIET). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
WWW only. Basic physiologic changes during aging and their impacts in health and disease. The focus will be on successful aging with special emphasis on physical activity and nutrition. Practical application to community settings is addressed.

GERON 545. Economics, Public Policy, and Aging.

(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Policy development in the context of the economic status of the older adult population. Retirement planning and the retirement decisions; social security and public transfer programs; intra-family transfers to/from the aged; private pensions; financing medical care; prospects and issues for the future.

GERON 563. Environments for the Aging.

(Dual-listed with GERON 463). (Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: HD FS 360 or 3 credits in housing, architecture, interior design, rehabilitation, psychology, or human development and family studies or permission of instructor
Emphasis on independent living within residential settings including specialized shelter, supportive services and housing management. Application of criteria appropriate for accessibility and functional performance of activities; universal design principles. Creative project provides service learning opportunities.

Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

GERON 571. Design for All People.

(Cross-listed with ARCH, DSN S). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Graduate or Senior classification
Principles and procedures of universal design in response to the varying ability level of users. Assessment and analysis of existing buildings and sites with respect to standards and details of accessibility for all people, including visually impaired, mentally impaired, and mobility restricted users. Design is neither a prerequisite nor a required part of the course. Enrollment open to students majoring in related disciplines. Credit counts toward fulfillment of Studies in Architecture and Culture requirements.

Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

GERON 577. Aging in the Family Setting.

(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 9 credits in social sciences or permission of instructor
Theories and research related to personal and family adjustments in later life affecting older persons and their intergenerational relationships. Related issues including demographics also are examined through the use of current literature. ,Spring 2013: on-line via Distance Education; Spring 2014: on campus.

GERON 584. Program Evaluation and Research Methods in Gerontology.

(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Overview of program evaluation, research methods, and grant writing in gerontology. Includes application of quantitative and qualitative methods in professional settings. (on-line course offering via Distance Education).

GERON 590. Special Topics.

Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Consult program coordinator for procedure.

GERON 591. Internship.

Cr. 1-9. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Supervised exerperience in an area of gerontology.

GERON 594. Professional Seminar in Gerontology.

(Cross-listed with HD FS). (3-0) Cr. 3. SS.
An integrative experience for gerontology students designed to be taken near the end of the degree program. By applying knowledge gained in earlier coursework, students will strengthen skills in ethical decision-making behavior, applying these skills in gerontology-related areas such as advocacy, professionalism, family and workplace issues. Students from a variety of professions will bring their unique perspectives to bear on topics of common interest. (on-line course offering via Distance Education).