810. Educational Gerontology (EDPS *810) (3 cr)

Introduction to the field of education for and about the aging. Institutions and processes of education will be analyzed to determine their relationships and value to persons who are now old and those who are aging.

835. Issues in Aging (3 cr)

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.

842. Therapeutic Recreation (3 cr)

Introduces the student to the field of recreation for the aging in nursing homes and community-based recreation programs. A portion of the course involves students visiting recreation sites

846. Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (PSYC 446) (3 cr)

Prereq: PSYC 181 or GERO 200

Major social and psychological changes that occur as a function of aging. Both normal and abnormal patterns of developmental change including their implications for behavior.

847. Mental Health and Aging (3 cr)

Mental health needs of older adults. Identifying both positive mental health and pathological conditions. Treatment interventions effective with older adults and their families.

850. Legal Aspects of Aging (3 cr)

Consideration of the legal concerns which are likely to arise as people age. Includes introduction to the American legal system and emphasis on underlying legal concepts and issues of special importance to older persons.

851. Long-term Care Administration (3 cr)

Investigation of the broad range of policy issues, theoretical concerns, and practical management strategies influencing the design, organization, and delivery of long-term care services.

855. Health Aspects of Aging (3 cr)

Psychological, sociological, and physiological factors that influence the health of the aging, with particular emphasis given to biological changes that have implications for disease and health disorders.

867. Programs and Services for the Elderly (3 cr)

Historical overview of programs for the elderly, to examine the national policy process as it relates to the older American, and to review the principles and practices relative to the existing national programs for the aged

869. Working with Minority Elderly (3 cr)

Interdisciplinary course designed to provide the student with knowledge of the differing status, attitudes, and experiences of the elderly within four major minority groups and to examine various service systems and practice models in terms of their relevance and effectiveness in meeting needs of the minority elderly.

885. Hospice and Other Services for the Dying Patient/Family (3 cr)

Involves students in the recognition of fears, concerns, and needs of dying patients and their families by examining the hospice concept and other services available in our community. Factual information, readings, professional presentations, films, and experiential exercises are offered to aid the student in understanding that hospice is an alternative to the traditional medical model so that when the “cure” system is no longer functional, then the “care” system, hospice, can be offered.

892. Special Studies in Gerontology (1-3 cr)

Prereq: 6 hrs GERO or permission

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. 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.

894. Practicum (3-6 cr)

Prereq: 9 hrs GERO and permission

Opportunity for 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.

898. Counseling Skills in Gerontology (3 cr)

Develops basic counseling skills for application in gerontology.

899. Master’s Thesis (1-6 cr)

Prereq: Permission

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

911. Applied Social Gerontology (3 cr)

Restricted to graduate students only; required of gerontology students. Social gerontology with an emphasis on the interplay between social, psychological and physical elements in later life.

946. Aging and Human Behavior (3 cr)

Intended primarily for graduate students in psychology and gerontology. Age-related changes in psychological processes and the implications of these changes for behavior.