300 | 400 | Graduate Courses

Gerontology
(Interdepartmental Minor)
Advisory Committee: P. Martin, Coordinator;
K. Bermann, C. Cook, M. L. Damhorst, W. Franke,
M. Kohut, N. Meredith, D. Russell, M. Yearns

The gerontology program is designed for students desiring careers in aging-related fields and for students interested in improving their understanding of aging persons in American society. Students are expected to take courses to develop the necessary interdisciplinary breadth which, in combination with other disciplinary training, can prepare them to work with the aged.
Graduates understand the ways in which individual and societal aging influence, and are impacted by, developments in their major field of study. They have an appreciation and understanding of the cross-disciplinary aspects of human aging.

Gerontology courses are offered in the interdepartmental gerontology program in the following participating departments and programs: Anthropology; Architecture; Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology; Economics; Educational Leadership and Policy Studies; Apparel, Educational Studies, and Hospitality Management, Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies; Food Science and Human Nutrition; Health and Human Performance; Human Development and Family Studies; Political Science; Sociology; and Textiles and Clothing.

Undergraduate Study
Nancy Meredith, Coordinator
Undergraduate study in this program provides the student with an opportunity to develop a minor in gerontology. A balanced grouping of courses assists the student in developing both a sensitivity to the issues and the ability to synthesize ideas from the variety of disciplines important to the study of the aging process.

Undergraduate students may minor in gerontology by taking 16 semester hours of gerontology related courses. Nine of these credits must come from the following courses: Geron 377, 448, 461, 463, 471, 476. Students will participate in a prepracticum seminar, Geron 466, and will complete a supervised field practicum after all gerontology coursework is completed (Geron 467). A minimum of 3 semester credits must be selected from a list of supportive gerontology related courses. Supportive courses include units or topics related to aging and can be used to complement the student's major interests. The student's minor program must be approved by the undergraduate gerontology coordinator.

Graduate Study
Christine Cook, Coordinator
A declared graduate minor in gerontology consists of a minimum of 12 credits taken from a list of acceptable courses, and from at least two departments. Nine of the 12 credits must be in courses that are focused specifically on aging. One 590 course (3 credits maximum) can be taken as part of the 12 credits. Geron 510 is required for all minor students. At least one member of the gerontology faculty will be on a student's advisory committee; this person must be a member of the Graduate Faculty. Contact the coordinator to determine whether courses other than those listed below are available.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 448, 471, 476.

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students
Geron 377. Aging and the Family. (Same as HD FS 377.) See Human Development and Family Studies.

Geron 448. Economics of Aging. (Same as HD FS 448.) See Human Development and Family Studies. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Geron 461. Life Course Sociology. (Same as Soc 461.) See Sociology.

Geron 463. Housing for the Aging. (Dual-listed with 563; same as HD FS 463.) See Human Development and Family Studies.

Geron 466. Gerontology Prepracticum Seminar. (1-0) Cr. 1. F.S. 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 to 6 each time taken. F.S. Prereq: 466, advance reservation. Supervised field experience related to aging. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Geron 471. Design for All People. (Same as Arch 471.) See Architecture. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Geron 476. The Aged in American Society. (Same as Soc 476.) See Sociology. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Geron 490. Independent Study. Cr. arr. Consult program coordinator for procedure.

Courses Primarily for Graduate Students, Open to Qualified Undergraduate Students
Geron 501. Seminar. Cr. arr. Alt. S., offered 2004.

Geron 510. Survey of Gerontology. Cr. 1-3. Alt. S., offered 2005. May be repeated. At least 3 credit hours required. Provides an overview of important gerontological issues.

Geron 534. Adult Development. (Same as HD FS 534.) See Human Development and Family Studies.

Geron 561. The Life Course. (Same as Soc 561.) See Sociology.

Geron 563. Housing for the Aging. (Dual-listed with 463; same as HD FS 563.) See Human Development and Family Studies.

Geron 566. Housing for Specific Groups. (Same as Arch 566.) See Architecture.

Geron 577. Aging and Intergenerational Relations. (Same as HD FS 577.) See Human Development and Family Studies.

Geron 590. Special Topics. Cr. arr. Consult program coordinator for procedure.