Gerontology Program Course Descriptions
SOC 223: Sociology of Aging
This online course will examine the societal aspects of aging; the meaning and consequences of aging; cultural and ethnic issues, and the interaction of the aging with political, economic and other social phenomena. Course focus begins at the later stage of middle adulthood, and progresses through older adulthood and the old old.
PSY 224: Psychology of Aging
This is an online, broad-based survey of the field of psychology of aging with particular focus on the period of old age will provide a thorough grounding in the field of aging as well as an understanding of the current trends and emerging issues. Topics to be explored include theories of aging, methodology, cognitive processes, intelligence, self and personality, and mental functioning/assessment with attention to continuity and change across the lifespan and application of knowledge to life situations.
REC 321: Active and Healthy Aging
This online course will investigate the role that good health habits, nutrition and physical activity and/or exercise play in modifying functional age and in determining the quality of life of older adults.
NUR 322: Physical Aging
This online course emphasizes health promotion in relation to the physiological aspects of aging. The functional consequences theory, which looks at how normal age-related changes and risk factors intersect to impact functioning in older adults, forms the framework for the course. Assessment of various aspects of the older adult's functioning in relation to normal aging and secondary aging due to chronic disease will be covered. Interventions for maximizing function and promoting health in the elderly will be presented.
FCS 323: Later Adulthood in the Family Context
This online course is a study of later adulthood focusing on intimate relationships, kinship ties and living arrangements, as well as financial issuses in the family context.
SOCWK 324: Working with Older Adults
This online course provides a comprehensive approach to working with older adults. Areas of study include the ethical basis for practice, forming and maintaining the working relationship, interviewing skills, problem-solving with assessment and intervention skills, professional writing, and knowledge of relevant social policy.
REL 350: Death and Dying
A multi-disciplinary exploration, this online course is divided into three parts: 1) the awareness of the concept of death in culture and personal experience; 2) theological and philosophical perspectives on death; 3) practical considerations in dealing with death and dying, such as grief, care of the dying person, mourning and funeral practices, medical and legal questions concerning the definition of death.