Introduction to the field of Gerontology and how the discipline addresses society's aging needs. An examination of current issues in gerontology using a life span perspective focusing on older adults' needs/concerns along life's continuum in various environments. Major topics include implications of the demographic imperative, common aging changes/conditions, myths and stereotypes, effects of health/illness on individual and family roles, basic social issues and policies arising from the graying of America, and media, cultural and gender influences.

Explores context and process for policy making by national and California state governments including ethical dimensions. Applications are developed from students' and instructor's areas of interest including K-12 and higher education, land-use policy, and aging issues such as elder advocacy, Social Security, and Medicare/Medicaid. Provides background and skills for entry level positions in public or non-profit organizations.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1 or GOVT 150 or equivalent.

Cross Listed: PPA 100; only one may be counted for credit.

Analysis of issues, services, methods, and interventions related to "practice" with older adults and application of strategies for identifying and accessing services targeted for older adults and their families. Outcomes include understanding: unique characteristics/needs of elders; relationship of the systems approach to working with elders; issues affecting service delivery to this population (diversity, gender, ethics, special health and mental health needs); basic practice skills for effective service delivery to elders and families/caregivers; student's attitudes and roles when working with this population.

Note: This is a service learning course.

In depth interdisciplinary, holistic exploration of health promotion and adaptation paradigms that facilitate successful, productive longevity. Hardiness and self-efficacy theories along with expectations and experiences enhancing quality of life are explored. Interactions among such variables as activity, diet, exercise, work/leisure, attitudes/beliefs, humor, living environments, spirituality, and social networks are investigated within the contexts of gender, economic and cultural perspectives.

Supervised internship experience in a community agency planning for or delivering professional services to older adults. This internship experience is part of two culminating courses for the major and focuses on application of the interdisciplinary nature of the discipline while affording students direct, hands on experiences. Includes a field seminar. Seminar discussions focus on the application of gerontological concepts derived from all gerontology courses and are applied to each student's specific Internship area.

Note: This is a service learning course.

Prerequisite: GERO 101, GERO 102, GERO 103 and instructor permission.

Supervised internship experience in a community agency planning for or delivering professional services to older adults. This second internship experience builds on the first internship course and is the final culminating course for the major and focuses on application of the interdisciplinary nature of the discipline while affording students direct, hands on experiences. Includes a field seminar. Seminar discussions focus on the application of gerontological concepts derived from all gerontology courses and are applied to each student's specific Internship area.

Note: This is a service learning course.

Prerequisite: GERO 101, GERO 102, GERO 103 and instructor permission.

Independent research, project, or directed reading.

Note: Open to students who are capable of independent work. A maximum of 3 units may count toward elective major requirements.

Prerequisite: Advanced approval of project goal and objectives by program director.

In depth interdisciplinary, holistic exploration of health promotion and adaptation paradigms that facilitate successful, productive longevity. Hardiness and self-efficacy theories along with expectations and experiences enhancing quality of life are explored. Interactions among such variables as activity, diet, exercise, work/leisure, attitudes/beliefs, humor, living environments, spirituality, and social networks are investigated within the contexts of gender, economic and cultural perspectives.

Supervised fieldwork internship or project that is a culminating experience and applies learned gerontological theories and concepts in a community setting where planning, developing, or delivering services to older adults or their families occurs. Students choose an area of practice and negotiate their learning experiences or project with their faculty advisor and field supervisor. Advanced approval of project goal and objectives by program director are required.

Prerequisite: GERO 200, GERO 221, GERO 222.

Independent research, project, or directed reading. Open to students who are capable of independent work. A maximum of 3 units may count toward elective major requirements. Advanced approval of project goal and objectives by program director.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission.