Department of Gerontological Studies
226 Mather Memorial
Phone: 368-2700; Fax 368-2676
Eva Kahana
The gerontological studies program is a multi-disciplinary program designed to integrate research and theory about aging and old age. Prompted in part by the "graying" of the world's population, humanists, scientists, social scientists, and professionals have become interested in understanding the position of the aged in society, the aging process in various contexts, the meaning of aging to individuals, and the physical changes that accompany aging. The program draws on the most recent thinking and research in a variety of disciplines to provide students with a background that will be helpful after graduation both in work and in graduate or professional school.
In keeping with the interdisciplinary nature of the program, the core courses are drawn from four departments: anthropology, communication sciences, history, and sociology. Students may choose from a variety of courses according to their own interests. Most of the electives are not specifically gerontology courses but cover topics that contribute to the understanding of aging and the aged. The perspectives gained in the core courses will provide the student with the background needed to relate the material in the more general courses to gerontological issues. The program is firmly grounded in the liberal arts and thus provides the student with the challenge to think and communicate effectively and to integrate diverse information, theories, and practice.
Gerontological Studies is an appropriate major or minor for students with a wide variety of career goals. The aging of the population has made available entry-level positions for persons with baccalaureate degrees in organizations that provide services to and formulate policy for the elderly. Many graduate programs now include an emphasis on aging for which a degree in gerontological studies would serve as a useful background. Students planning to pursue professional degrees will find that an increasing number of their clients or patients will be old and that problems with which they must deal will be related to the aged. The perspective provided by participating in the Gerontological Studies Program will provide students with excellent background in working with older populations. This background is particularly important for students who plan to pursue careers in human services, business, law medicine, academics, or the sciences.
Faculty members associated with the program are engaged in a variety of funded research projects which include studies of: Alzheimer's disease; patterns of care for the urban elderly in China; visual perception changes that accompany aging; the impact of high levels of physical activity on the biological aging process; grandparent-grandchild relationships; and stress, coping, and adaptation among urban community and institutionalized elderly.
Cynthia Beall, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University)
Professor, Anthropology
Physical anthropology; human growth and development; human and medical ecology; biology of aging; Andes; Himalayas
Robert Binstock, Ph.D. (Harvard University)
Henry R. Luce Professor, School of Medicine
Public policy and aging; Health care policy
Valerie Brown, Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve University)
Assistant Professor, Sociology
Sociological theory; medical sociology; race and ethnicity; sociology of aging
Grover C. Gilmore, Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University)
Associate Professor, Psychology
Perceptual development and aging; visual information processing; memory; psychophysics
Melvyn Goldstein, Ph.D. (University of Washington)
Harkness Professor and Chairperson, Anthropology
Social anthropology; population-medical anthropology; aging; cultural ecology; development; Nepal; Tibet; India
Charlotte Ikels, Ph.D. (University of Hawaii)
Associate Professor, Anthropology
Gerontology; ethnicity; Chinese and overseas Chinese; life cycle; Hong Kong, China, United States
J. Randal Johnson, Ph.D. (University of Washington)
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Sociology
Marriage and the family; sociology of aging; social psychology; medical sociology; quantitative methodology
Eva Kahana, Ph.D. (University of Chicago)
Pierce T. and Elizabeth D. Robson Professor of Humanities and Chairperson, Sociology Director, Elderly Care Research Center
Sociology of aging; coping and stress in late life; institutionalization
Kyle Kercher, Ph.D. (University of Washington)
Associate Professor, Sociology
Methodology; statistics; sociology of aging; criminology
Danielle Ripich, Ph.D. (Kent State University)
Associate Professor and Chair, Communication Sciences
Clinical processes; speech and language disorders in adults and children; pragmatics
Kurt Stange, M.D., Ph.D. (University of North Carolina School of Public Health)
Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Medicine
Epidemiology; preventive health care; biostatistics; health services research; disability prevention in the elderly
David D. Van Tassel, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin, Madison)
Elbert Jay Benton Professor, History
Aging in historical perspective
May L. Wykle, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN (Case Western Reserve University)
Florence Cellar Professor, Gerontological Nursing and Chair of Mental Health Nursing; Director, University Center on Aging and Health
Health and mental health; caregiving in minority populations
The gerontological studies program offers a major that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. However, it may be selected only as a second major, the first major being in a traditional academic department. A double major simply replaces the required minor with a second major. The total number of credit hours required for graduation remains the same.
The major consists of a minimum of 30 credits; 15 are in required courses and 15 are in approved elective courses. The required courses are:
- ANTH 304, Anthropology of Aging (3)
- HSTY 374, History of Old Age in Western Society (3)
- COSI 345, Communication and Aging (3)
- SOCI 369, Aging in American Society (3)
- SOCI 396/496, Public Policy and Aging (3)
At least 15 credit hours must be earned in the approved electives listed below. This list changes from time to time as departmental offerings change. Check with the director of the gerontological studies program for current information.
- ANTH 215, Health Culture, and Disease: An Introduction to Medical Anthropology (3)
- ANTH 301/401, Biological Aging in Humans (3)
- ANTH 318, Death and Dying (3)
- COSI 380, Aural Rehabilitation (3)
- ENGL 364M, Autobiography and Biography (3)
- ENGL 365, Literary Topics I (3)
- POSC 381A, Major Issues in Public Policy Analysis: U.S. Health Policy (3)
- PSCL 369, Adult Development and Aging (3)
- SOCI 311, Health, Illness, and Social Behavior (3)
- SOCI 313A, Social Factors in Institutional Care (3)
- SOCI 313B, Social Factors in Stress and Coping (3)
- SOCI 362, Kinship and Family (3)
The minor consists of 15 credits, including at least two of the core courses (ANTH 304, COSI 345, HSTY 374, and SOCI 369), and any three of the approved electives or remaining core courses.
A sequence in gerontological studies consists of 12 credits earned in four courses, at least two of which must be chosen from ANTH 304, COSI 345, HSTY 374, and SOCI 369. The other two courses may be drawn from the approved electives or from the remaining core courses.
Gerontological Studies (GERO)
GERO 396. Public Policy and Aging (3).
(Cross listed as Soci 396). Overview of public policies affecting aging and impact of population aging on public policies. Contemporary policy dilemmas, policy choices for the future, and political contents of such dilemmas and choices.
GERO 397. Special Studies in Gerontology (1-3).
Independent Study. Limited to junior and senior majors and minors. Prerequisite: Approval of written prospectus.
A certificate program in Gerontological Studies is available through the University Center on Aging and Health. For specific course requirements students should consult the Center: Allen Memorial Library, Room 101. Director: May Wykle, Ph.D. R.N., F.A.A.N.
GERO 496. Public Policy and Aging (3).
Overview of public policies affecting aging and impact of population aging on public policies. Contemporary policy dilemmas, policy choices for the future, and political contents of such dilemmas and choices.
GERO 498. Seminar in Gerontological Studies (3).
Major themes in gerontology. Seminar members choose a problem area, explore the relevant literature from a multi-disciplinary perspective, and develop a research project using knowledge gained through community observation and library exploration. Prerequisite: Completion of certificate hours or consent of instructor.
SOCI 416. Practicum in Gerontological Research (3).
The practicum in Gerontological research will allow students to have first hand experiences in fieldwork and data analyses working under supervision in Sociological research settings such as the Alzheimer's Center on Benjamin Rose Institute or the Elderly Care Research Center. Supervising faculty will meet regularly with students to provide a didactic component to the research practicum. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
GERO 601. Independent Study (1-3).
For non-degree students enrolled in the graduate certificate program in gerontology.
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