GERN 5000: Gerontology

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the field of gerontology. The course is designed to provide an overview of the biological, psychological, and sociological processes associated with aging. An emphasis will be placed on learning the major theoretical perspectives pertaining to gerontology.

Course Objectives

Listed below are the long-term objectives you should be striving towards as a participant AND contributor in this course.

To become familiar with biological theories and processes associated with aging.
To become familiar with psychological theories and processes associated with aging.
To become familiar with sociological theories and processes associated with aging.
To become familiar with programs and services for older adults and key concepts from a variety of disciplines.

Prerequisites

It is assumed the student has adequate writing and analytical skills. Also, as for all Internet courses, the student must be disciplined and self-motivated.

Course Materials

Please go to MBS Direct to find the appropriate textbooks for this course.

Please be aware when purchasing your textbooks that the International versions of the text may differ from the Domestic (North American) version required for your course.

Click here for more information about textbooks for online courses..

Course Activities

The course will be conducted entirely online. Students are expected to participate in all course activities as assigned by the instructor. Course activities may include extensive reading, papers, presentations, discussions, exams, and/or group projects.

Policy Statements

The following is the graduate school policy addressed to teachers concerning student attendance and absences. This policy will be used in this class. "If any student misses a class, the student is responsible for that night's work plus a make-up assignment. If the student misses two nights, you have the option to reduce the student's grade one letter or make a significant assignment to cover the material presented that week. If the student is absent a third week, you should inform the student that his/her grade for the course is NC. It is the student's responsibility to withdraw from the course."

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

Programs Students Faculty Help About OLC