Gerontology 601

GERO 601
Topics in Aging I

1. Catalog Entry

GERO 601
Topics in Aging I

Credit hours (3)

This course, the first core courses in the Interprofessional Gerontology Certificate, is a series of interprofessional lectures delivered by multiple faculty in one semester.  The course provides the students with a generalist focus of the older adult in order to better focus their aging studies in the future.

2. Detailed Description of Course

An interdisciplinary approach will encompass this course and each department, in the Interprofessional Gerontology Consortium, will offer current topics on aging.  The disciplines will include Nursing, Music Therapy, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Social Work, Counselor Education, and Business.  Topics included in the course may include: ageism, role loss, reminiscence and life review, music, functional assessment, coping with chronic illness etc.  The student will develop their personal philosophy of aging.  Technology will be used to create an interactive environment between faculty and students.  This is one of two required core courses to be offered.

Content: The objectives and content of this course are derived from the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) Education Standards.  Major topics and skills covered in this course are based on current evidenced-based research and theory related to Gerontology.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The following teaching strategies include but are not limited to seminar discussions, lectures, podcasts, student online presentation, and written projects/papers.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the completion of this course the student will be able to:
    1) Identify individual, family, community, and population-based characteristics as they relate to
        older adults.  
    2) Discuss strategies and outcome measures, in varied disciplines that address the current status
        of older adults.  
    3) Utilize a lecture and documented discussion format of evidence based holistic and therapeutic
        interventions for older adults.  
    4) Submit a paper that details an individual philosophy of aging.

5. Assessment Measures

May include but are not limited to comprehensive discussion, postings and submission responses, written and online presentations, course participation, development and submission of a philosophy of aging, papers, tests.

6. Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

April 21, 2015