GERO - Gerontology

A study of the changes in the circumstances, status, roles and position that come with aging. The course focuses on social controversies and debates in the field of gerontology, rather than on memorizing facts. Special attention is given to controversies related to health care, caregiving, decision-making, social security, and retirement.

Cognitive, personality and social changes involved in the aging process. Attention is given to the psychophysiological changes that occur with age affecting behavior and psychological and social adjustment. Consideration of the methodological and research design problems of studying age-related and ontogenetic changes.

This course provides students with an overview of the biological aspects of the aging process and age-related human disorders. Students will examine how these physiological changes affect older adults' activities and functioning. The course will also explore what strategies exist to help maintain physical and mental fitness.

Prerequisite: permission of the program director. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to a degree program. (1-3 credits per independent study)  Reading and/or research in a selected field. An approved title for the independent study must be submitted with the registration forms. 

The master’s thesis should exhibit those qualities that are associated with genuine research: scholarship, logical consistency, creativity and comprehensiveness. The student should submit, in writing, a tentative thesis proposal. After official approval, the student will be registered and may begin work on the thesis.

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. A basic or applied research project involving extended independent work and emphasizing principles of experimental research design. A written report must be submitted at the end of the project. Evidence of an approved topic with a signed Permission to Enroll Form must be submitted to the Graduate School at the time of registration.

The study of selected issues and/or social problems that are of interest to gerontologists. Each issue will be examined from the perspectives of various specialists within the discipline. Students will participate through readings in primary sources, individual reports or presentations, discussion, and possible field work.