Gerontology Program

Gerontology Courses -- Fall 2009


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Seminar: Critical Issues of Aging (GRO 501-01). An intensive review and analysis of the literature and research on issues of aging and the unresolved problems. 3 credit hours. Taught Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:50 PM by Dr. Janice Wassel. (CRN #81742) Syllabus

Proseminar in Gerontology (GRO 600-01). An introduction and gateway to the profession and study of gerontology including career roles and paths, professional development and ethics, and research processes and procedures. This course is designed to be an introduction and gateway to the profession and study of gerontology. Ideally, students will take the Proseminar in their first semester after being accepted into a post baccalaureate program of the Gerontology Program (but in all cases by the end of their second semester.) It will introduce students to the ethical and career development dimensions of the profession including such topics as career roles and paths and research processes and conduct. The relatively recent position of gerontology among the professions and the wide range of career paths open to students who pursue a gerontology degree make such a course an essential gateway to help students understand the options available to them and to make best use of their academic plan of study. Students will begin their exploration of topics that will be continued in the capstone course for master’s students: The Integrative Seminar in Gerontology (GRO 651). Time details tbd. Taught by Dr. Janice Wassel and Sandy Leak. (CRN #81744) Syllabus

The Boomer Demographic Phenomena (GRO 611b-01). Comprehensive overview of the current and future societal and demographic trends as a consequence of the Boomer Demographic Phenomena with implications for government, community and business markets. Applied demographic exercises. This course is part of the block of coursework in the Aging and Business Concentration within the Gerontology Program master’s program. The Boomer Demographic Phenomena is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the societal, economic and demographic trends associated with applied demographic methods used in planning. The course begins by examining the historical and economic consequences leading to the ‘boom’ and includes a brief history of the American Baby Boom’s influence on public policy, politics, education and the labor force. The course then turns its attention to how the boomers will shape the new future public and private market sectors. Students will learn how to account for the influence that the Boomer demographics has when planning and forecasting future markets, service delivery and products. Students who enter the professional practice of gerontology across a wide-range of settings will find this course relevant including those who practice direct services and care management, health and wellness programming, product development and marketing, policy and program development or financial gerontology. Taught Mondays from 6:00 to 8:50 PM by Dr. Janice Wassel. (CRN # 81747) Syllabus

Research Methods in Gerontology (GRO 620-01). The integration and application of qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods used in gerontology. Additional attention focuses on the formulation and writing of a research proposal. 3 credit hours. Taught Thursdays from 5:30 - 8:20 PM in MHRA Building Room 1280 by Lauren Cohen. (CRN #81749) Syllabus

Financing Longevity: Topics in Insurance (GRO 622-01). Overview of concepts and products of insurance related to financing longevity in the United States. Topics include Medicare, Medicaid, long term care insurance and related products. Students who are pursuing a concentration in Aging and Business within the MS degree of the Gerontology Program are required to take this course as a part of their aging block. It will provide a fundamental understanding of personal, governmental and private-sector roles in financing longevity in the United States through participation in insurance programs and the conceptual framework for consideration of individual choices and policy options to address the aging of society. Topics covered include Medicare, Medicaid, long term care insurance and related products. Students who enter the professional practice of gerontology across a wide-range of settings will find this course relevant including those who practice direct services and care management, health and wellness programming, product development and marketing, policy and program development or financial gerontology. Taught Tuesdays 5:30 - 8:20 PM by Anne Daniel. (CRN #81750) Syllabus

Planning/Evaluating Professions in Aging (GRO 631-01). 3 credit hours. Taught Thursdays 2:00 - 4:50 PM by Sandy Leak. (CRN #81766)

Gerontology Internship or Supervised Research I (GRO 649-01). Supervised experience as a participant/observer in a structured setting for older adults in order to link theory and practice and increase professional expertise or supervised research in a gerontological topic. 3 credit hours. Supervised by arrangement with instructor Dr. Janice Wassel at 336-256-1020. (CRN #81754)

Special Topics: Aging & Business. Human Resources and the Older Workforce (GRO 676-01). 1 credit hour. Taught Mondays 6:00-8:50 pm by (TBD). (CRN #81764) Syllabus

Gerontology Internship or Research Experience II (GRO 679-01). Supervised experience as a participant/observer in a structured setting for older adults in order to link theory and practice and increase professional expertise or supervised research in a gerontological topic. 3 credit hours. Supervised by arrangement with instructor Dr. Janice Wassel at 336-256-1020. (CRN #81757)

Independent Study in Gerontology (GRO 695-01). Intensive study in an area of special interest in gerontology. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit. Taught by Dr. Janice Wassel at 336-256-1020 by arrangement. 1-3 credit hours. Contact Dr. Janice Wassel at 336.256.1020. (CRN #81758)

Thesis (GRO 699-01). Individual guidance in the development of a specific research problem. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit. 1-6 hours. See Thesis Guidelines for Gerontology. Contact Dr. Janice Wassel at 336-256-1020. (CRN #81760)

Thesis Extension (GRO 801-01) 1-3 credit hours. See Thesis Guidelines for Gerontology. Contact Dr. Janice Wassel at 336-256-1020. (CRN #81761)

Graduate Research Project Extension (GRO 803-1) 1 credit hour. Contact Dr. Janice Wassel at 336-256-1020. (CRN # 81762)

Gerontology-related courses taught in OTHER UNCG Departments in the Fall Semester 2009:

Wellness and Habit Change (CED 688) is scheduled for Fall 2009 and Fall 2011. Though the enrollment typically is restricted to CED students, this Fall the class will be open to non-majors and is scheduled for a Friday workshop/on-line format rather than weekly meetings. Interested students are encouraged to enroll by August 1st to assure that the class will not be cancelled. The class will be held noon-5 the following days: August 28, September 11 and 25, October 2, November 11 and 20, December 4. Assignments include participation in two alternative medicine assignments, such as Pilates, Massage, Reiki, Chiropractic, or guided relaxation, and development of a personal wellness plan to create and sustain positive life time change in one area. Many components of the Plan will be created during class discussions. The class is highly experiential and the curriculum is built around the components of the Indivisible Self Wellness Model. Topics that are typically addressed include what students are interested in plus:• Emotional intelligence,• Spirituality,• Yoga, Pilates,• Chakra System,• Mindfulness,• Biofeedback and stress management,• Physical fitness evaluation,• Nutrition Analysis,• Habit Change (Stages of Change Model; CBT applications),• Other wellness components based on student interest. Please contact Dr. Jane Myers if you have questions about the class jemyers@uncg.edu.

Exercise and Older Adults (ESS 579) Taught Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:00-10:00am. Taught by William Carper.

End of Life Care (NUR 581-01) Critical aspects of interdisciplinary approaches to quality care at end of life. Includes palliative care, family, advocacy, culture, special populations, systems of care, financial issues, life threatening illnesses, and sudden death. No Prerequisites—Open to graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Taught in blended format. Taught Mondays 1-4 pm by Dr. Beth Barba.

Psychology of Aging (PSY 375-01) Overview of psychological issues in aging. Students evaluate research findings in the psychology of aging and apply this knowledge to understanding personal development and the development of others. Taught Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00-12:15 by Dayna Touron. (CRN #80258)