Academic Catalog

Gerontology (GERO)

GERO 10100 Introduction to Aging Studies (LA)

Introduction to the broad spectrum of issues involved in the study of aging. Biological, psychological, and sociological concerns, in addition to services for the elderly, are presented in survey fashion. Field trips, lectures, discussions, and demonstrations comprise the instructional methods. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: 1, SS
3 Credits

GERO 12000 Aging by the Numbers (LA)

Using quantitative data, explores aging-related topics such as cultural stereotypes, the demography of aging, and the financing of retirement. Focuses on developing understanding of different research methods and awareness of the promise and limits of quantitative data for understanding people's lives. (Y)
Attributes: QL
3 Credits

GERO 13000 The Journey of Aging (LA)

Explores the impact of aging on mind, body, and spirit, as well as contemporary responses to the possibilities and challenges of aging, with a focus on aging as a universal journey that affects all areas of life. Includes service learning with elders in the community. (Y)
Attributes: SO, TMBS
3 Credits

GERO 19501 Age Matters: Discovering the Possibilities beyond Midlife (LA)

Explores the intersections of age and identity in a variety of contexts, including the treatment of elders in modern culture. Examines the demographic and cultural forces shaping the period between retirement and disability. We examine our own beliefs and values as they relate to age and engage in service learning with elders in the community. (Y)
Attributes: 1, SL, SO, SS, TIDE
3 Credits

GERO 21000 Health and Aging (LA)

Examines the health status of older adults in the U.S. and the impact it has on longevity and quality of life in the later years. Includes factors that affect the health and longevity of older Americans, health challenges in later life, prevention and health promotion, the need for culturally competent health care for older adults, and end of life choices and issues. Explores how U.S. health policy and the health care system affect the lives of older adults. Prerequisites: One 10000-level GERO course or HLTH 11300 or HLTH 10100. (S,O)
Attributes: SS
3 Credits

GERO 22000 Sociology of Aging (LA)

This course presents the prominent sociological theories and research about aging and the ways in which the experience of aging is socially constructed. Cross-listed with SOCI 22000. Students may not receive credit for both SOCI 22000 and SOCI 22000. Prerequisites: One liberal arts course in any of the following departments: ANTH, CMST, CSCR, ECON, EDUC, GERO, HIST, PHIL, POLT, PSYC, SOCI, WGST. (F,Y)
Attributes: DV, SS
3 Credits

GERO 23000 Memory Loss and Aging: Myths and Realities (LA)

Contrasts normal age-related changes in the brain with the effects of diseases that cause cognitive impairment. Discusses prevalence, incidence, symptoms, causes, treatment, and caregiving issues are with emphasis on the history and personal, social, cultural, political, and economic impacts of Alzheimer's disease, which affects millions of older adults in the United States. Prerequisites: One 100-level GERO course or HLTH 10100 or PSYC 10300 or PSYC 10400. (S,E)
3 Credits

GERO 25100 Growth in Later Life: Creativity, Mindfulness and Wisdom (LA)

Examines the development of creativity, mindfulness and wisdom in later life. Engages with scholarly research through reading and writing, as well as engages in practices designed to promote the development of these qualities. (F,Y)
Attributes: SO
3 Credits

GERO 29010 Fieldwork in Gerontology (NLA)

Provides students with firsthand experience working and socializing with the elderly. Engages students in work activities, including direct service to the aged, as well as service under the supervision of a trained professional within an organization in the Ithaca area. Provides students with the context to better understand the needs of the community-based elderly, as well as the local, state, and national resources available and not available to meet those needs. Prerequisites: One 100-level GERO course or HLTH 10100. (IRR)
1-3 Credits

GERO 29100 Field Placement in Gerontology (NLA)

Provides students the opportunity to interact with elders under the supervision of the sponsoring agency, and a gerontology faculty member. Placements are arranged individually. Students must complete the H&S internship application process. This course may be repeated for a total of three credits. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing, permission of instructor. (IRR)
1-3 Credits

GERO 34000 Disparities in Aging: Income and Wealth (LA)

Uses a variety of perspectives to examine public policies that affect the income and wealth of older adults, focusing on the United States. Explores the scope of these programs and policies, their historical development, and likely changes. Prerequisites: Any 200-level course in CSCR, ECON, GERO, HLTH, POLT, SOCI. (O,S)
1 Credit

GERO 34100 Disparities in Aging: Housing and Neighborhoods (LA)

Uses a variety of perspectives to understand disparities in the housing situation of older adults, focusing on the United States. Examines research in the impact of housing and neighborhoods on the well-being of older adults. Prerequisites: Any 200 level course in CSCR, ECON, GERO, HLTH, POLT or SOCI. (O,S)
1 Credit

GERO 34200 Disparities in Aging: Long-Term Care (LA)

Examines the continuum of long-term care services in the U.S and how characteristics like race and ethnicity, social class, gender and sexuality affect access to these services. Includes discussion on access, financing, combinations of housing and services, and challenges to providing a range of quality long-term care options. Prerequisites: Any 200 level course in CSCR, ECON, GERO, HLTH, POLT or SOCI. (O,S)
1 Credit

GERO 37000 Counseling the Older Adult (LA)

Combines theory about and practice of basic counseling skills with information about issues faced by older adults and their families. Analyzes the lives of today's older adults within the frameworks of social institutions and race, class, and gender. Prerequisites: One 100-level SOCI course or one 100-level GERO course or HLTH 10100; at least one of the following: GERO 22000, SOCI 30800, SOCI 30900, PSYC 36600, ANTH 34000, RLS 23800, HLTH 24000. (S,E)
Attributes: CNSL, SS
3 Credits

GERO 38000 End-of-Life Issues (LA)

Provides a broad overview of basic concepts and psychosocial issues related to the meaning of loss and death, the process of death, and the experience of grieving. Includes consideration of health care practices along with community resources. Explores real-world topics and controversial issues through the combination of lectures, hands-on activities, and field trips. Prerequisites: One 100-level GERO course or HLTH 10100. (S,E)
Attributes: CNSL, SS
3 Credits

GERO 40100 Gerontology Internship (NLA)

Provides a structured, intensive learning experience in an organization dedicated to research, planning, policymaking, or service provision for older adults. Supervision is provided by an on-site professional preceptor. Students are required to submit periodic written field reports, as well as a final internship experience report. Course may be repeated for a total of four credits. Prerequisites: GERO 29010; GERO 31900; Aging Studies major; permission of instructor. Pass/fail only. (Y)
0-4 Credits

GERO 48000 Gerontology Senior Seminar (LA)

This capstone experience provides a structured opportunity for gerontology majors to integrate knowledge and experience from coursework and internships as they explore a variety of theoretical and professional issues in gerontology. Prerequisites: GERO 31900; GERO 40100; senior standing; WRTG10600 or ICSM108XX or ICSM118XX. (S,Y)
Attributes: CP, SS, WI
3 Credits

GERO 49900 Independent Study (LA)

Individual research and writing on a particular area in gerontology, supervised by a faculty member in the gerontology program. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. (F,S,Y)
1-4 Credits