GT 200. Biology of Aging.3 Credits.
The aim of the course is to study the specific and primary changes in physiological mechanisms that result in the process of aging. See description for BMS 200.
Prerequisites: Take BIO 101 BIO 102 or BIO 150 BIO 151 or BMS 117 BMS 162.
Offered: Every year, All
GT 205. From College to Career.1 Credit.
This course introduces sociology, gerontology and criminal justice majors to the preprofessional skills and knowledge they need to practice prior to obtaining their internship. Students also are introduced to practical skills that will benefit them throughout their professional careers ranging from self-reflection to resume writing and email etiquette. Students meet regularly to discuss the breadth of potential careers in sociology, criminal justice and gerontology through interaction with departmental faculty and practitioners in the field. For gerontology majors only. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
GT 211. Introduction to Social Work.3 Credits.
This course provides students with an introduction to social work profession, including its historical roots, its fundamental principles and its areas of practice. The course provides an overview of social work methods, skills, values, ethics and the social service delivery system, utilizing the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) core competencies for social work education, and the National Association of Social Work (NASW) code of ethics. Attention is given to populations vulnerable to poverty, social, economic, racial, and environmental injustice, fostering awareness and understanding of systemic barriers and inequalities. By the end of the course, students will develop an introductory understanding of how social theories inform social work practice, empowering them to work with individuals, groups, and communities in a holistic manner.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
GT 220. Special Topics in Gerontology.3 Credits.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
GT 263. Aging in Society.3 Credits.
This introduction to gerontology focuses on the myths and realities of aging explored through a multi-disciplinary lens, including historic, demographic, and sociological analyses of the conditions of elderly people in our society. Students critically examine the diversity of aging experiences in the U.S. The ways in which social and cultural factors enter into the aging process are also considered.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand
GT 270. Community Program Development.3 Credits.
This course addresses the creation of community-based programs and services especially within the nonprofit and public sectors. Topics covered include: approaches to leadership, community engagement, needs identification, problem analysis, models of intervention, and elements of grant proposal writing.
Prerequisites: Take SO 101 SO 101H SO 225 OR SO 244
Offered: As needed
GT 290. Research Methods.3 Credits.
This course introduces students to social science research methods. Students examine how qualitative and quantitative research methods apply to social science research. The course places particular emphasis on the importance of scientific methods in reaching informed conclusions. Students examine a number of methods commonly used in social science disciplines and learn how to interpret the results of research conducted using these methods. Understanding how social scientists investigate social phenomena allows students to accurately interpret and apply findings from social science research. Students should complete the course by the end of their sophomore year or second year in the major.
Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 OR SO 244
Offered: Every year, All
GT 300. Special Topics in Gerontology.3 Credits.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
GT 305. Sociology of Death and Dying.3 Credits.
Death is studied from the perspective of social interaction between the dying person, professional caregivers and family members and loved ones. Attitudes and values about death, cultural components of grief, and the function of bereavement are examined. Particular attention is paid to the social organization of "death work" and dying in bureaucratic settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, as opposed to the non-bureaucratic structure of hospice care.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
GT 315. Social Work Case Management.3 Credits.
Social work case management is a process used widely throughout social work and healthcare- for assessing, planning, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating the services needed to respond to an individual's health and/or service needs -. Students in gerontology, sociology, psychology, and criminal justice are likely to encounter the various roles or models of management practice utilized in social work, healthcare and various social service settings.
Prerequisites: Take SO 101 or SO 101H or SO 225 OR SO 244
Offered: As needed, All
GT 365. Aging and Social Problems.3 Credits.
This course considers the social policies associated with aging, particularly in the areas of health, housing, financing and family life and the governmental policies, past, present and future, that deal with these problems.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, January Term
UC: Breadth Elective, Intercultural Understand
GT 382. Studying Social Issues with Statistics.3 Credits.
In this course, students learn basic introductory-level statistics and quantitative reasoning skills necessary for careers in gerontology. Through hands-on application, students learn research design, basic statistical data collection and data analysis. For gerontology majors only, junior or above.
Prerequisites: Take GT 290.
Offered: Every year, Spring
GT 392. Internship in the Community.3 Credits.
For gerontology majors or minors in their junior or senior year only. Students each complete 120 hours of supervised ?eldwork in an agency that servesthe elderly, along with one hour per week in a seminar. Coursework and seminar content include written and oral reflection focusing on the student's experience. Professional issues, along with academic concepts and theory, are explored in relation to the agency and the community it serves. Successful completion of the course requires adherence to a high standard of professionalism. Students are required to meet with the internship coordinator one semester prior to beginning the placement process.
Prerequisites: Take GT 205, GT 263.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
GT 394. Advanced Internship in the Community.3 Credits.
This is a required second internship for gerontology majors in their junior or senior year only. Students complete 135 hours of supervised fieldwork in a community agency that serves the elderly along with one hour per week in the advanced internship class. Students build upon the knowledge gained from their first internship experience to deepen their understanding of concepts and theory through extended written and oral reflection. Students also assess their interpersonal strengths and weaknesses in preparation for graduate school and/or future employment. Successful completion of the course requires adherence to a high standard of professionalism. Students are required to meet with the internship coordinator one semester prior to begin the placement process.
Prerequisites: Take GT 392.
Offered: As needed
GT 400. Senior Seminar.3 Credits.
This senior seminar is designed as the capstone course for students majoring in sociology and gerontology. Students research a sociological or aging-related topic of their choosing and write a thesis based on their work. All senior theses represent a culmination of majors' academic experiences in the department. For gerontology majors only in the senior year.
Prerequisites: Take GT 290 or SO 290.
Offered: Every year, Spring