Gerontology Institute Courses

The following courses are offered by the Gerontology Institute.

780-10100    Introduction to Gerontology      SS, LA 1b

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. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

780-22000    Sociology of Aging      SS, LA 

 Examination of the prominent sociological theories and research about aging and the ways in which the experience of aging is socially constructed. Cross-listed with Sociology (331-22000). Students may not receive credit for both 780-22000 and 331-22000. Prerequisites: 331-10100 or 780-10100 (or 680-10100). 3 credits. (S,Y)

780-29010    Fieldwork in Gerontology      NLA

Fieldwork gives students firsthand experience working and socializing with the elderly. Under the supervision of a trained professional within an organization in the Ithaca area, students engage in work activities, including direct service to the aged, as well as service to the host agency. An integrated series of seminars 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: 780-10100 (or 680-10100 or 640-10100). 3 credits. (S,Y)

780-31900    Aging Policies and Programs      LA

Examination of contemporary public health and social policies and programs that affect the well-being of older adults. The scope of these programs and policies, their historical development, and likely changes are explored. Prerequisites: 780-10100 (or 680-10100 or 640-10100) and three courses in the social sciences. 3 credits. (F,Y)

780-32100    Interdisciplinary Initiatives in Rural Geriatrics      NLA

Introduction to the interdisciplinary team approach as it relates to the assessment and treatment plan development for rural geriatric clients. Focus on developing team membership skills, a working understanding of the geriatric assessment process, and strategies and techniques for interdisciplinary team involvement and co-treatment options. Of special interest to health sciences and gerontology students. Prerequisites: 780-10100 (or 680-10100 or 640-10100) and junior standing. 3 credits. (F,O)

780-32500    The Long-Term Care System      SS, LA

Exploration of the continuum of long-term care services available in the U.S. Examination of issues of access and financing; the combination of housing and services for disabled older adults; and challenges to the provision of a range of quality long-term care options. Prerequisites: 780-10100 (or 680-10100 or 640-10100) and two additional courses from gerontology major groups 1 or 2. 3 credits. (S,O)

780-33000    Research Methods in Gerontology      SS, LA

Overview of research issues and approaches in social gerontology with focus on basic and applied gerontological research, including qualitative and quantitative methods. Hands-on work with several databases. Students develop a proposal for a research design on an aging-related topic of their choosing using primary or secondary data. Prerequisites: 780-10100 (or 680-10100 or 640-10100), 313-15500 or a level-2 statistics course, and one additional course from gerontology major groups 1 or 2 at level 2 or above. 3 credits. (F,Y)

780-33500    Research Experience in Gerontology      SS, LA

Experience conducting research on a gerontological topic of the student's choosing. Working in consultation with a professor, students take responsibility for conducting an entire research project and making a presentation on their work. Projects involve the use of existing data sets or collection of data. This course also requires an extensive reading and analysis of existing research. Course may be repeated for an additional 3 credits. Prerequisites: 780-33000 (or 680-33000) and one additional course from gerontology major groups 1 or 2. 3 credits. (F,S,Y)

780-38900    Selected Topics in Applied Gerontology      NLA

Exploration of a professional or practical aspect of gerontology in a lecture or seminar format. Topics vary based on current trends and student and faculty interests. May be repeated for credit for different selected topics. Offered for 1-3 credits, depending upon the issue and the time required to adequately address the topic. Prerequisites: 780-10100 (or 680-10100 or 640-10100) and one additional gerontology-related course at level 2 or above. 1-3 credits. (IRR)

780-39900    Selected Topics in Social Gerontology      LA

 Exploration of a specific area of social gerontology in lecture or seminar format. Topics are based on current trends and student and faculty interests. May be repeated for credit for different selected topics. Offered for 1-3 credits, depending upon the issue and time required to adequately address the topic. Prerequisites: 780-10100 (or 680-10100 or 640-10100) and one additional gerontology-related course at level 2 or above. 1-3 credits. (IRR)

780-40100    Gerontology Internship      NLA

The six-week (240 clock-hour) internship, ordinarily taken during the summer, 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. Prerequisites: 780-29010 (or 680-29010), 780-31900 (or 680-31900), and three additional courses from gerontology major groups 1 or 2. Pass/fail only. 3 credits. (Y)

780-41400    Long-Term Care Services Administration      NLA

Examination of the issues and challenges faced by managers in all segments of the rapidly changing long-term care services system. Addresses the continuum of long-term care settings from home and community-based services to skilled nursing facilities. Topics include federal and state regulations, community relations, technology, ethical issues, and management techniques for administrators. Prerequisites: 780-10100 (or 680-10100 or 640-10100), 640-20500, and 780-32500 (or 680-32500). 3 credits. (IRR)

780-48000    Gerontology Senior Seminar      SS, 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: 780-31900 (or 680-31900), 780-40100 (or 680-40100), and senior standing. 3 credits. (S,Y)

780-49900    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 supervising faculty member, student's adviser, and gerontology program coordinator. 1-4 credits. (F-S,Y)

Additional courses addressing issues of aging are offered in anthropology, biology, health, marketing, music, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, sociology, speech communication, speech-language pathology and audiology, and therapeutic recreation and leisure services. For more information about Ithaca College courses on aging, contact the Gerontology Institute at 607-274-1965.