Gerontological Studies

• Gerontological Studies
  • CURRENT AREAS OF RESEARCH
  • PROGRAM FACULTY
  • UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
    • Major
    • Minor
    • Sequence
• Gerontology
  • UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
  • GRADUATE COURSES

Gerontological Studies

226 Mather Memorial
Phone: 368-2700; Fax 368-2676
Gary Deimling

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.

CURRENT AREAS OF RESEARCH

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.

PROGRAM FACULTY

Cynthia Beall, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University)

Robert Binstock, Ph.D. (Harvard University)

Gary T. Deimling, Ph.D. (Bowling Green State University)

Richard Fortinsky, Ph.D. (Brown University)

Atwood Gaines, Ph.D. (University of California, Berkeley), M.P.H.(University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health)

Grover C. Gilmore, Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University)

Melvyn Goldstein, Ph.D. (University of Washington)

Charlotte Ikels, Ph.D. (University of Hawaii)

Eva Kahana, Ph.D. (University of Chicago)

Kyle Kercher, Ph.D. (University of Washington)

Grace J. Petot, M.S. (Case Western Reserve University)

Danielle Ripich, Ph.D. (Kent State University)

Richard Settersten, Ph.D. (Northwestern University)

Milton Strauss, Ph.D. (Harvard University)

Kurt Stange, M.D., Ph.D. (University of North Carolina School of Public Health)

David D. Van Tassel, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin, Madison)

May L. Wykle, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N. (Case Western Reserve University)

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Major

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. 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:

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.

Minor

The minor consists of 15 credits, including at least two of the core gerontology courses (ANTH 304, COSI 345, HSTY 374, SOCI 369 and SOCI 396), and any three of the approved electives or remaining core courses.

Sequence

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, SOCI 369 and SOCI 396. The other two courses may be drawn from the approved electives or from the remaining core gerontology courses.

Gerontology

University Center on Aging and Health
101 Allen Memorial Medical Library
Phone 368-2692; Fax 368-6389
May L. Wykle

The University Center on Aging and Health is dedicated to the premise that aging is a developmental process spanning the entire life cycle, and brings together social and behavioral sciences, health sciences, and the humanities to encourage teaching and research activities in every unit of the University.

The University Center sponsors a certificate program in gerontology for graduate and professional students and for those who already hold graduate degrees.

A student interested in a graduate certificate in gerontology must be enrolled in a master's or doctoral program, or be a special non-degree student with at least a master's degree (or equivalent).

To receive a certificate in gerontology, a student must submit a formal application, be approved by the University Center on Aging and Health, and take 12 credit hours of course work. The student must complete the following courses:

For further information, contact the University Center on Aging and Health at the address listed above. Any changes in the requirements must be approved by the center director.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

GERO 397, Special Studies in Gerontology, 1-3

Independent study. Limited to junior and senior majors and minors.

GERO 398, Seminar in Gerontological Studies, 3

Focuses on a common problem in gerontological studies. Students read the relevant literature from several disciplines, define the central issues in the area, and develop a research project designed to extend understanding of the problem. Limited to senior majors and minors.

GERO 399, Independent Study in Gerontological Studies, 1-3

GRADUATE COURSES

GERO 496, Public Policy and Aging, 3

X-listed courses: ANTH 498, EPBI 408, HSTY 480, NURS 479/579, POSC 480, SOCI 496. 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.

GERO 601, Independent Study, 1-3

For students enrolled in the graduate certificate program in gerontology.

CWRU Provost's Office -- About this server -- Copyright 1996 CWRU -- Unauthorized use prohibited