GRG 550-560 Proseminar in Gerontology I and II (4005-4015) - 6 credits
An introduction to the broad spectrum of disciplines and professions encompassed by the study of gerontology, as well as an overview of the major problem areas facing the older person in our society. Biologic, psychologic, social, economic, and legal aspects of aging will be considered. Either course may be taken first in sequence.
GRG 570 Delivery of Human Services to the Older Person (4045) - 3 credits
Principles and procedures of assessing needs, collecting resources, designing activities, and implementing programs for older people in a variety of community and institutional settings.
GRG 580 Research Methods and Analysis (4025) - 3 credits
Basic methods of research and statistical analysis used in research studies of older people will be reviewed. The goal of the course is to enable the student to critically read and evaluate research in the field. Must be taken in first 6 courses in the program.
GRG 605 Issues in Long Term Care (LTC) and Living Alternatives for the Older Person (4505) - 3 credits
This course provides a critical examination of contemporary operational and social policy issues related to health care and living alternatives for the well, near frail and frail older population including nursing homes, independent living communities, assisted living homes, home care provider services and experimental housing alternatives. Challenges associated with LTC management including regulatory issues, financial costs, staff burnout, etc. will discussed and ways of dealing with these challenges explored.
GRG 610 Clinical Pathology (4135) - 3 credits
A description and analysis of pathological behavior patterns in the older person, physical as well as psychological, from a preventive as well as a therapeutic perspective.
GRG 620 Assessing the Gerontological Client (4115) - 3 credits
Application of assessment and evaluation procedures to the older person. Supervised practice in general diagnostic and treatment plan procedures as applied to the older person will be included.
GRG 4120 Mental Health Issues and Aging* - 3 credits
The chief risk and protective factors associated with each of the major mental disorders of late life and factors associated with optimal mental functioning will be considered with attention paid to the differences in presentation and treatment of disorders in young and old. Current issues involving mental health delivery models as well as mental health policy initiatives directed toward older adults will be explored as well.
GRG 640 Group Process and Practicum (4125) - 3 credits
A consideration of interpersonal skills, communication skills, non-verbal as well as verbal, analytic and technical skills related to small group processes and interaction. Experiential exercises will supplement class consideration.
GRG 4130 Counseling the Gerontological Client* - 3 credits
Application of counseling theories and practices to the older person. Supervised practice in counseling techniques and procedures.
GRG 791-792 Advanced Internship (4905-4915) - 6 credits
Supervised experiential learning in one or more organizations that serve older persons. Arrangements for internship placement must be made in prior semester. Students may not sign up for advanced internships until at least 24 credits in the program have been completed.
GRG 793 Directed Readings (4955) - 3 credits
An opportunity to conduct an extensive literature review under the supervision of a faculty member. Such work must be preceded by a proposal which must be approved by the Director of the Gerontological Services program.
GRG 794 Directed Research (4965) - 3 credits
An opportunity to conduct a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Such work must be preceded by a proposal which must be approved by the Director of the Gerontological Services program.
GRG 795 Advanced Research Seminar (6025) - 3 credits
An integrative course in which students are expected to complete an independent thesis project combining the research methods and subject matter competencies obtained in previous coursework. This should be the final course in the program.