Additional courses addressing issues of aging are offered in anthropology, biology, health, marketing, music, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, recreation and leisure studies, sociology, speech communication, and speech-language pathology and audiology, as shown on the aging studies major required and elective groups 1 and 2. For more information about Ithaca College courses on aging, contact the Gerontology Institute at 607-274-1965.
GERO 10100 - Introduction to Aging Studies 1 LA SS
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)
GERO 21000 - Health and Aging LA SS
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: GERO 10100 or HLTH 11300. 3 credits. (S,Y)
GERO 22000 - Sociology of Aging LA SS
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 SOCI 22000. Students may not receive credit for both GERO 22000 and SOCI 22000. Prerequisites: SOCI 10100 or GERO 10100. 3 credits. (S,Y)
GERO 23000 - Memory Loss and Aging: Myths and Realities LA
Memory loss has become one of the most feared stereotypes of aging. This course contrasts normal age-related changes in the brain with the effects of diseases that cause cognitive impairment. Prevalence, incidence, symptoms, causes, treatment, and caregiving issues are discussed, 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: GERO 10100. 3 credits. (S,O)
GERO 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: GERO 10100. 3 credits. (S,Y)
GERO 31900 - Aging and Social Policy 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: GERO 10100; three courses in the social sciences. 3 credits. (F,Y)
GERO 32500 - The Long-Term Care System LA SS
Exploration of the continuum of long-term care services available in the United States. 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: GERO 10100; two additional courses from gerontology major groups 1 or 2. 3 credits. (S,O)
GERO 33000 - Research Methods in Gerontology LA SS
Overview of methodological designs used in the study of social gerontology, with focus on basic and applied research, including qualitative and quantitative methods. Students learn to determine the most appropriate method for research questions, develop a survey instrument, create an interview guide, and work with a variety of data. Prerequisites: GERO 10100; MATH 15500 or a level-2 statistics course; one additional course from gerontology major groups 1 or 2 at level 2 or above. 3 credits. (F,Y)
GERO 38900 - Selected Topics in Applied Gerontology NLA
Exploration, in a lecture or seminar format, of a professional or practical aspect of gerontology. 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: GERO 10100; one additional gerontology-related course at level 2 or above. 1-3 credits. (IRR)
GERO 39900 - Selected Topics in Social Gerontology LA
GERO 39901 - Selected Topics in Social Gerontology LA
Exploration, in lecture or seminar format, of a specific area of social gerontology. 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: GERO 10100; one additional gerontology-related course at level 2 or above. 1-3 credits. (IRR)
GERO 39902 - Selected Topics in Social Gerontology
GERO 39903 - Selected Topics in Social Gerontology
GERO 39904 - Selected Topics in Social Gerontology
GERO 39905 - Selected Topics in Social Gerontology
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: GERO10100 (or GERO10100 or HPS10100); one additional gerontology-related course at level 2 or above. 1-3 credits. (IRR)
GERO 40100 - Gerontology Internship NLA
This 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: GERO 29010; GERO 31900; three additional courses from gerontology major groups 1 or 2; permission of instructor. Pass/fail only. 3 credits. (Y)
GERO 48000 - Gerontology Senior Seminar LA SS
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. 3 credits. (S,Y)
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. 1-4 credits. (F-S,Y)