Plan of Study – Gerontology

Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.

Gerontology: Minor

Minor Courses (Minimum of 20* semester hours required. *A minimum of 8 s.h. must be in upper division courses at Madonna University.)

AGE 1070 Introduction to the Aging Experience (3 s.h.)

Never before in human history have so many people lived into old age. This aging population impacts the aging individual, families, communities, and social policy. An overview of the field of aging, with attention to the cultural, social, psychological, and economic factors which influence the life of the older adult.

Minor electives (Minimum of 17 semester hours required. **AGE 4760 and AGE 4770 may not be used to satisfy the minor elective requirements.)

AGE 2010 Introduction to Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias (AGE*/PSY) (1 s.h.)

An overview of Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia in older adults. Topics include diagnosis and current approaches to managing these diseases. Course must precede AGE 3460.

AGE 2300 Programs and Services for Older Adults (3 s.h.)

Focus on the continuum of care. Lectures by practitioners in gerontology on the range of programs, services, and resources available for older adults and family caregivers.

AGE 3020 Program Development for Adult Education and Events (AGE*/EDU) (3 s.h.)

Prepares students to design programs that respond to the learning potential and learning needs of older adults. Application of a comprehensive planning methodology which includes needs assessment, marketing, budgeting, optimal learning environment, learning objectives, lesson plans, and delivery strategies.

AGE 3030 Spirituality of Aging (AGE*/RST) (1 s.h.)

Explores the spiritual tasks of the later years with an emphasis on integrating an understanding of those tasks into the practitioner's own journey of aging and into their professional work with older adults.

AGE 3070 Psychology of Midlife and Aging (AGE*/PSY) (3 s.h.)

What does it really mean to be a grown up? Examine adult psychological development from midlife to later years, including behavior and coping strategies as well as the cognitive, personality, and intellectual changes that occur with aging. Prerequisite: PSY 1010.

AGE 3150 How and Why the Body Ages (3 s.h.)

Study processes that affect normal aging of the human body, as well as age-related chronic diseases. Examination of strategies that contribute to health and vitality into later life. Focus on life choices through the life span to promote positive responses to physical aging.

AGE 3460 Addressing Behavior Changes in Dementia (AGE*/PSY) (2 s.h.)

Explores the causes of challenging behaviors in people with dementia and discusses strategies for addressing these behaviors. Prerequisite: AGE 2010.

AGE 3900 Care Management for Older Adults (3 s.h.)

The theory and practice of care management. Content includes the five core functions, development of comprehensive care plans, monitoring of the client's progress toward achieving intervention goals, and discussion of ethical practice standards. The role of diversity, client rights, and professional values in the practice of care management also addressed.

AGE 4040 Proposal Writing and Grant Administration (AGE*/EM/SOC/SW) (3 s.h.)

Students learn about the role of grants in agency funding and develop the basic skills needed to write a successful proposal to compete for funds from outside sources. Topics include: generating program ideas, researching funding sources; establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships; proposal planning and development; and the establishing and analyzing program metrics, administration, reporting, and accounting for funds and program deliverables.

AGE 4850 Gerontology Management (3 s.h.)

Examination of gerontology management techniques. Focus on basic principles of management as they relate to senior living and human services.

AGE 4870 Nursing Home Administration I (3 s.h.)

An overview of health, administrative, and leadership concerns in a nursing home. Topics include: Federal and State regulations in relation to public policy and leadership, pharmacology, infection control, nursing, quality assurance, insurances, and accounting and budgeting.

AGE 4880 Nursing Home Administration II (3 s.h.)

An overview of health, administrative, and leadership concerns in a nursing home. Topics include: Federal and State regulations in relation to life safety code, social services and activity therapy, dietary services, physical plant, and occupational safety and health; normal aging; and the legal environment of a licensed nursing home.

AS 3630 Addiction Studies: Older Adults (AS*/AGE) (1 s.h.)

The issues of chemical dependency and the older adult. Focus on assessment, psychosocial factors, treatment strategies, model program designs, and other community resources that address this high-risk client population.

NFS 2420 Nutrition for the Older Adult (AGE/NFS*) (2 s.h.)

Practical problems of meeting nutritional needs of older adults considering economic, physical, and psychological changes that occur with age. Study of agencies and programs concerned with meal delivery systems for the elderly.