Applied Gerontology

EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing

This is the first part of a required sequence in college essay writing. Students learn to view writing as a process that involves generating ideas, formulating and developing a thesis, structuring paragraphs and essays, as well as revising and editing drafts. The focus is on the development of critical and analytical thinking. Students also learn the correct and ethical use of print and electronic sources. At least one research paper is required. A grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Note: Students passing a departmental diagnostic exam given on the first day of class will remain in EGL 101; all others will be placed in EGL 097. Prerequisite is any of the following: successful completion of EGL 097; an SAT essay score (taken prior to March 1, 2016) of 7 or higher; an SAT essay score (taken after March 1, 2016) of 5 or higher; on-campus placement testing.

EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature

This is the second part of the required introductory English composition sequence. This course builds on writing skills developed in EGL 101, specifically the ability to write analytical and persuasive essays and to use research materials correctly and effectively. Students read selections from different literary genres (poetry, drama, and narrative fiction). Selections from the literature provide the basis for analytical and critical essays that explore the ways writers use works of the imagination to explore human experience. Grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

MTH 110 Statistics

Basic concepts of probability and statistical inference. Included are the binominal, normal, and chi-square distributions. Practical applications are examined. Computer assignments using Minitab form an integral part of the course. Prerequisite(s): MP2 or MTH 015

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology

This course is designed to present basic psychological concepts and to introduce students to the scientific study of behavior. Core topics include methods of psychological research, the biological bases of behavior, principles of learning, memory and cognition, personality, and psychopathology. Other selected topics to be covered would include the following: motivation and emotion, life-span development, social psychology, health psychology, sensation and perception, intelligence, human sexuality, statistics, and altered states of consciousness.

BIO 123 Human Body in Health and Disease

This course is an inquiry into the mechanism of diseases that plague human beings. A systemic approach is taken in which all the major systems of the human body and the significant diseases that affect those systems are studied. Emphasis is on failures of homeostasis as the basic mechanisms of disease. Included are discussions on available treatments and therapies, the impact of new technological developments, and maintaining health and avoiding disease. The laboratory component contains both traditional and computer-generated exercises, which illustrate the onset and development of a variety of diseases and pathological states. Note: BIO 123 is approved in the Natural Sciences General Education Competency Area and can serve as a lower-level laboratory science elective within the Liberal Arts. However it does not satisfy Bioscience Core requirements and cannot be used as a substitute for either BIO 130 or BIO 131. Note: The laboratory course, BIO 123L is a part of your grade for this course. Corequisite(s): BIO 123L

BUS 111 Introduction to Business

This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of American Business and its contemporary environment. It provides an overview of organizational, national, and international trends and their impact on enterprises both large and small. The course develops an understanding of important business concepts, principles, and practices that explain how businesses are formed, how they operate to accomplish their goals, and why/how their success depends on effective management, production, marketing and finance/accounting.

BUS 141 Contemporary Business Communications

An introduction to the role and importance of effective communications in business. Key topics include the familiarization and practice in preparing common types of internal and external business communications; contemporary issues in business communication relating to technology, ethics, and nondiscriminatory language; memo and report writing with proper mechanics, style, and appropriate tone/attitude; and business presentations. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101 and BCS 102

NTR 110 Introduction to Nutrition Science

This course stresses the practical application of nutritional science throughout life. It discusses nutritional changes that occur during various life stages such as pregnancy, infancy, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Students explore the biological aspect of all major nutrients and relate them to chronic diseases. Basic chemistry principles are applied to major nutrient groups. Recommendations for adequate nutrient intake are presented and related to food consumption habits. This course evaluates nutritional supplement claims and discusses changes in athlete nutrient requirements in training and during competition. Note: Students who receive credit for BIO 125 may not receive credit for NTR 110.

GRO 100 Introduction to Gerontology

This course provides introductory topics in gerontology, including physical, mental, and social aspects associated with aging. It shows the interactions of various types of aging and describes the pathological developments that affect many older people. The course focuses on diversity in the older population. Topics include differing behaviors, traditions, and attitudes among aging. There will be an emphasis on how society is changed when the aging portion of the population increases rapidly.

PHI 205 Ethics

An examination of ethical theories including relativism, determinism, and the concept of duty, and the application of these theories to contemporary problems. The place of ethics in relation to other branches of philosophy and the role of religion in shaping ethical theory are also discussed. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

SOC 228 Society and Health

This course examines the meanings and experiences of health and illness and the ways in which social factors like age, gender, class and ethnicity affect health. We explore the historical development of health professions, including alternative health professions. Significant time is also devoted to understanding the workings of the contemporary American healthcare system.

PSY 230 Gender Psychology

This course will examine sex role stereotypes and their effects, research on psychological sex differences, theories of male and female development, sex roles and social institutions - how perceptions of males and females are influenced by schools, religion, and the media; and male and female approaches to sexuality, marriage, and parenthood. Readings and class discussions will be used to help students achieve a greater understanding of the female and the male experience. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.

SOC 220 Sociology of Aging

The course examines the social phenomenon of aging. We look at different theories of aging and discuss the ways that different cultures approach the process of aging. Similarly, we consider class as well as racial/ethnic differences in the social meanings and consequences of aging. Lastly, we devote considerable time to looking at various political, economic, and social issues associated with aging and the elderly.

SOC 225 Sociology of the Family

This course examines the family in the United States as a core social institution. We consider theoretical, historical, and cross-cultural aspects of such topics as mate selection, marital dynamics, the changing roles of men and women, parenting and child-rearing, divorce, aging, conflict and violence, alternative lifestyles and family policy. Prerequisite(s): SOC 122

HUM 332 Intercultural Communication

This course is designed to develop an understanding of how specific interpersonal techniques can facilitate effective intercultural communication encounters. Students will be exposed to the ways in which cultural differences affect intercultural communications. Obstacles to effective intercultural communication will be examined and techniques to overcome these will be explored and practiced.

HST 301 Health Care Organization

This is a survey course introducing the student to the concepts related to the organization of health care in the United States. Health care will be studied from a historical, political, economic and consumer perspective. Focus will include exploring the commonly used models of health care delivery and organization in the United States and selected other countries. Health Care in this country has undergone tremendous change and expansion since the turn of the last century. As we begin the next century many health care issues remain controversial and a top priority in the minds of many Americans. Access to adequate preventive and episodic health care, organ transplantation and gene therapy are just a few of the interesting topics that will be touched upon. NOTE: Students who take NUR 315 cannot receive credit for HST 301. Prerequisite(s): HST 101 or Permission of the Nursing Department.

GRO 300 Biology of Aging

This course involves an examination of the physical changes associated with the aging process and aging body. Knowledge and understanding of these processes are important because these physical changes also affect social, psychological, economic, and other aspects of the aging process. The importance of the topic is based on the growing number of older adults in our communities as well as our increased longevity. Each organ system will be discussed with a focus on age related diseases, conditions, and dysfunction. Prerequisites: BIO 123 Human Body and Health

GRO 310 Nutrition of Aging

This course covers concepts of nutrition directed towards improving nutritional status and health among older adults. Course material addresses key issues facing the field of geriatric nutrition, among a variety of contexts, with an eye to recommendations on improving nutrition programs and status among older adults. Federal, state, and community programs involving nutrition among older adults are reviewed and analyzed. This course is designed to provide entry level nutrition training for professionals to assist the growing aging population in maintaining a healthy quality of life. Prerequisites: BIO 125 or NTR 110

GRO 320 Caregiving

This course takes a comprehensive look at what is known about problems and issues caregivers face, caregiving tasks, caregiver appraisals of the situation, caregiver burden, and the psychosocial, health, social, and work consequences of caregiving. Of particular importance are the cultural, familial, and societal implications of caregiving for older adults. The course also will explore long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and assistant-living facilities. Prerequisites: Junior Status

GRO 330 Public Policy and Aging

This course addresses the impacts of national age-based and age-related policy and programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, American with Disabilities Act, the Older Americans Act, and the Affordable Care Act. In addition, it examines the implementation of these programs in state and local settings, where implications are tangible for vulnerable groups such as low-income and frail older people and their families. Policy challenges of issues such as Alzheimer’s, long-term care, housing, caregiving, transportation, nutrition, research funding, and disease prevention are discussed. Although the focus is on the United States, there will be opportunities for students to explore aging policies in international settings. Prerequisites: Junior Status

GRO 340 Gender and Aging

The course will focus on dominant gender paradigms and ways in which gender contributes to the differential structuring of health experiences for women, men and gender minorities. The course will incorporate historical, theoretical and empirical perspectives to explore the relationship between gender, aging, and health in America and other countries. It also explores the relationship at the intersection of class, ethnicity and sexuality, and throughout the course of life. Prerequisites: Junior Status

MLG 305 Hispanic and Latin American Culture and Civilization

Civilization course: Provides a general perspective on the formation of the Latin American Culture through the centuries, with special emphasis on Spanish America. In parallel form, historical and cultural evolution of the New World and the Iberian Peninsula will be studied, from their beginnings up to the present. Among other aspects, the course will give special attention to the rich multicultural heritage which has been maintained in Latin America through the centuries, as well as its achievements in Art and Literature. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102

PSY 315 Abnormal Psychology

In this course the student will learn about concepts, theories, and issues in psychopathology (the study of mental illness and behavioral disorders). Topics may include historical background, mental health professionals, legal issues, normality/abnormality, etiology/assessment/ diagnosis/therapy, anxiety/stress/depression, personality disorders, sexual deviance, schizophrenia, neurological dysfunction, substance abuse, and psychophysiological disorders. The applications of psychology to personal problem solving will also be explored. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101

PSY 326 Introduction to Behavioral Health Science

Behavioral Health Science is the scientific study of the ways that human behavior can affect health/mental health status and health/mental health outcomes. Introduction to Behavioral Health Science will explore how human actions, cognitions, relationships, interactions and systems affect health, well-being, and quality of life. This course will examine the integration of mental health care and health care from a historical, practical, and policy perspective. Students completing the course will understand the significance of health care policy changes as they relate to psychology, and the dramatic shift in thinking about how and where health/mental health care can be integrated and administered. Prerequisite(s): PSY 315

GRO 410 Health Care Insurance

This course explores the history, structure and likely future trends of health insurance in the U.S. The course includes policy analyses, availability, costs, and limitations in regard to the health insurance needs of the elderly. It provides an in-depth overview of the basic features of private health insurance: including operational challenges and requirements, to cost and quality controls. In addition, the course discusses financial and political challenges to continued viability of Medicare and Medicaid. Several comparisons are provided to international systems as a means for better understanding the unique aspects of the American system. Prerequisite(s): Junior status and GRO100 Introduction to Gerontology

GRO 420 Long-Term Care Administration

This course presents principles of nursing home management and assisted living services which examines administrative and staffing functions relating to clients, community, public policy, programming and financing. It provides a solid foundation in the operational functioning of long-term care facilities in the United States. The health care environment and the health care system are examined to determine how they impact long-term care administration. Both the long-term private and public sectors of health care organization are overviewed. Multiple long-term health care delivery systems are explored as to what they can offer the elderly and special needs populations. Prerequisite(s): HPW 435

GRO 430 Communication and Aging

This course approaches gerontology from a communication perspective. Attention is devoted to the ways in which communication sustains and deteriorates group collaboration among local, national, and global communities. Through central theories of communication there is recognition that aging is not just an individual process, but also an interactive and intergenerational process. Gerontology 430 shows that communication processes define, form, maintain, and dissolve all social relationships for all age groups. Further, this course gives insight into advertising/marketing communications geared toward the increasing senior population in the United States. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

GRO 450 Health Care Law

Health care is one of the most regulated sectors of our economy. This course examines the overlapping layers of federal, state and local jurisdiction to better understand health care law. It specifies the law as it relates to health administration and long-term care management. The course critically examines ethical dilemmas and the law associated with elder rights and long-term care facilities from multiple points of view. With the increasing intersection between health care delivery and the law, health care managers encounter a wide range of legal and regulatory issues, including patients’ rights, institutional liability, and employee relations. Prerequisite(s): Senior Status

GRO 460 Internship in Gerontology

In this course students have the opportunity to gain hands on experience in a professional setting. It is oriented towards professional development that builds skills and abilities related to job-seeking, and career. The focus is on development of professional tools including portfolios, resumes, interviewing skills, and relevant certifications. The field experience is individualized based on the career interests of the student and the specific needs of the organization. Field experience proposals must be presented and approved prior to registration for the course. Prerequisite(s): Senior Status, Program GPA 2.75 minimum, HPW 435 with a grade of C- or higher