Gerontology Specialist

Examines practical aspects of selected concepts in biology and their application to technology. Concepts may include heredity, growth, development, health, and ecology. Human systems may be studied as they relate to the major topics. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship of the issues to the individual and society. This course is equivalent to the Illinois Articulation Initiative’s General Education generic course numbered L1904L. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course

Fundamental concepts of computer information systems as applied to microcomputers in business and individual use; includes hand-on experience with a variety of microcomputer software. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. Allowed Repeatable Course: Not more than three credit hours will be counted towards the CIS/IT degree requirements. Additional earned credit hours up to six will be counted towards elective credit and requires the consent of Departments Chairperson. ARC: 3 times.

Development of critical and analytical skills in writing and reading of expository prose. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Historical survey of psychology and a study of the sensory and perceptual processes: learning, thinking, remembering, emotional behavior, motivation, mechanism of adjustment, and the total personality. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Introduction to psychological problems, issues, facts, and theories relating to later adulthood and old age; societal values and institutions, socio-economic variables, biological and psychological changes, perception, cognition, psychosocial development, personality factors, sexuality and relationships, work and skill issues, adjustment and coping, psychopathology, and therapeutic intervention. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

This course will introduce students to psychological problems, issues, facts, theories, opinions, and controversies pertaining to death or loss, the dying process, and bereavement as a response to loss. It will deal with societal values, institutions, psychological variables, the nature of dying and bereavement, the effects of loss on the surviving individual, adjustment and coping problems, relevant behavioral and emotional reactions, and alternatives to societal institutions surrounding death. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

An overview of elder issues including the social, psychological and physical aspects of the aging process. The course will also examine the economic and social impact of the growing elderly population on US society and the global community and will explore career opportunities in this expanding field. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

A study of government policy to familiarize students with programs at the federal, state and local levels that address elder issues from housing to health care to employment to nutrition and recreation. Students will learn how public policy is created, the role of elder advocacy groups in shaping legislative agendas and issues affecting current and future government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

An exploration of the basic changes that occur in the physical make-up of men and women as a result of the aging process. Discussion will include the causes and effects of disease and debility, as well as health assessment measures, health care options and health maintenance strategies. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

An introduction to family theory as found in significant sociological traditions. The course will discuss the effect of the aging process on extended and nuclear families, the changing roles of parent and child, the family stresses and rewards of care giving, the role of aging siblings, relationships between the generations and the financial and psychological impact of caring for the frail elder in the family setting. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

An exploration of the opportunities that are available to the elderly from the well years to the frail years, for personal enrichment, intellectual development, volunteering, health improvement, travel, spiritual growth and second careers. Students will learn the ways in which a majority of an individuals older years may be a time of great opportunities for growth, development and service. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

This course explores the history of gerontological social work and the methods employed in providing the greatest benefits of human services to the elderly population. Students will learn the practical principles of case management from interviewing to evaluation and become familiar with the characteristics of the service settings in which they will encounter the elderly in the role of Gerontology Specialist. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

This course is a study of the basic principles of communication as employed in counseling and human services settings. It will emphasize the development of the listening, speaking, behavioral and attitudinal skills that are required by gerontology professionals at the level of social work assistant. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

A comparative study of aging in a variety of cultures from traditional to modern. Students will learn that the attitude of a culture towards its aging population is based on the complex set of interrelationships between its social, religious and historical traditions. The course will examine Native American, traditional Chinese, modern European, dominant and minority American cultures and their attitudes toward the elderly and how these attitudes are crystallized into social policy. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

This course combines classroom training with field placement at a community agency or institution serving older persons. Students apply learning about the organization and management of aging services, explore community resources, demonstrate work habits, assess their attitudes and career skills in gerontology, and relate current aging research to practice. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

This capstone course provides a review of gerontology course work, field placement experience at a human services agency or institution serving older persons, advanced classroom training in practice concepts related to service delivery to older adults, an guidance in producing a final project that will summarize the students gerontological course work. Writing assignment, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.