2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Gerontology
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Gayle Appel Doll, Director
Center on Aging
253 Justin Hall
785-532-5945
E-mail: gerontology@k-state.edu
www.he.k-state.edu/aging/
The older population will grow significantly in the future, especially between the years 2010 and 2030 when the baby boomers reach age 65. By 2030 the 65+ age group is expected to grow to 20 percent of the population. Because of the increasing numbers of older persons and the fact that those elderly are living longer, there is a growing need for people who have a variety of skills to work in the field of aging.
Gerontological specialists carry out diverse roles similar to those of other professionals while devoting the major portion of their professional time to working for or with older people. Their roles fall into the categories of direct service provision, program planning and evaluation, marketing and product development, advocacy, education and training, and research.
Secondary Major
Gerontology
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GERON 315 - Introduction to Gerontology Credits: (3)
Multidisciplinary introduction to the field of aging. Examines social, psychological, developmental, organizational, and economic aspects of aging. Theoretical, methodological, and applied issues of aging related to contemporary American society.
Requisites
Prerequisite: None.
When Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
UGE course
Yes
K-State 8
Human Diversity within the U.S.
Social Sciences
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 400 - Biogerontology Credits: (3)
The course provides an introduction to the processes involved in physical aging. From theories of aging through the effects of age on systems of the body, including chronic and acute disease, and ending with a focus on health promotion this course will prepare students to better understand their aging clients/patients problems. It will also help students to better cope with their own parents’ and grandparents’ aging as well as their own.
Requisites
Prerequisitie: BIOL 198.
When Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 501 - Culture Change in Long-Term Care Credits: (1)
This course will cover the basic characteristics of traditional and culture change nursing home models. Student will learn about the various processes of organizational change, the steps toward change, and potential regulatory, environmental and social barriers to major change. The course will include discussions about the necessity to change the way care is provided in such areas as dining, bathing, family/relationships, and environment.
Note
This overview is recommended as the first course for students unfamiliar with culture change and is delivered on-line.
When Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 502 - Measuring Change in Long-Term Care Credits: (1)
Topics covered will include process and outcome measures in nursing home change as well as the importance of and the utility of measurement for the advancement of quality of life issues in long-term care. Students will gain an understanding of how regulatory support will be more likely to occur if culture change features can show a cost savings as well as improvements in the quality of life of residents.
Note
This on-line course should be taken after or concurrently with GERON 501.
When Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 503 - Creating Home in Long-Term Care Credits: (1)
Students will gain a better understanding of the interdependent networks within nursing homes, environmental factors in the development of community and culture in a nursing home, learn how fostering resident, family and staff interactions can improve quality of life for all those groups, understand the role of structural redesign and innovation, and consider how environmental change can improve relationships within the larger community.
Note
This on-line course should be taken after or concurrently with GERON 501.
When Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 504 - Strengthening Staff in Long-Term Care Credits: (1)
Topics covered will include the development of deeper relational bonds within the nursing home environment, benefits of permanent staffing as a key component of building a relationship centered culture, how these types of changes can benefit and empower staff, and models for bridging cultural divides between long-term care administrators and staff to benefit the residents. A review of the impact of traditional models of managed care that focus on providing food, shelter, and medical attention and factors that hinder purposeful, proactive interactions between residents, families and staff.
Note
This on-line course should be taken after or concurrently with GERON 501.
When Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 505 - Dining in Long-Term Care Credits: (1)
Students will develop an appreciation of the impact dining has on the quality of social, physical and emotional health and quality of life of nursing home residents, become aware of the meanings/customs that residents may associate with the dining experience, recognize the importance of the dining experience in the overall culture of the home and develop an understanding of various institutional dining styles.
Note
This on-line course should be taken after or concurrently with GERON 501.
When Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 506 - Activities in Long-Term Care Credits: (1)
A review of common activities in long-term care, their importance in resident care, the importance of meaningful activity and relationships, how the long-term care culture impacts resident individuality/choice, and individualized care plans.
Note
This on-line course should be taken after or concurrently with GERON 501.
When Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 600 - Seminar in Gerontology Credits: (3)
An interdisciplinary course organized topically, with students presenting papers on aging-related issues that draw upon the students’ previous and concurrent academic experience. Provides supervised independent study and subsequent discussion, allowing students to integrate and order their perceptions about gerontological issues.
Requisites
Prerequisite: Completion of 15 hours of course work in gerontology.
When Offered
Fall, Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Ethical Reasoning and Responsibility
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 605 - Practicum in Gerontology Credits: (1-3)
Supervised field experience in an aging-related setting as a practical application of gerontological knowledge and skills.
Note
May be repeated.
Requisites
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
When Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 610 - Seminar in Long-Term Care Administration Credits: (3)
Administration principles involved in the planning, organizing, and directing of long-term care agencies. Includes in-depth exposure to federal and state standards and regulations governing long-term care.
When Offered
January Intersession, Fall of odd numbered years
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Ethical Reasoning and Responsibility
Social Sciences
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 615 - Long-Term Care Administration Internship Credits: (9)
Includes: (a) field experience in the general administration of long-term care programs and/or facilities; planning, budgeting, program management, and service delivery; (b) exposure to federal and state standards and regulations governing long-term care; and (c); professional leadership development.
Requisites
Prerequisite: Junior standing, GERON 315, MANGT 420, ACCTG 231, GERON 610, six hours of electives from approved list, GPA of 2.5 or above (3.0 or above in long-term care administration coursework).
When Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 620 - Problems in Gerontology Credits: (1-3)
Independent study of selected problems.
Note
May be repeated.
Requisites
Prerequisite: Background of courses required for problem undertaken and consent of instructor.
When Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 630 - Mental Health & Aging Credits: (3)
Introduction to the issues involved in aging and mental health using a systems framework covering the major emotional and psychiatric problems encountered in old age. Includes discussion of personality disorders, dementia, cognitive problems, substance abuse, suicide and barriers to treatment.
Requisites
Prerequisite: Junior/Senior.
When Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Social Sciences
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 700 - Gerontechnology Credits: (3)
An interdisciplinary approach to the understanding of the biological, environmental, and social spheres where technology and gerontology meet. Topics include the interrelationship between population dynamics and technological change, technological research and devices that may improve elders’ lives, particular issues for rural communities, and the social and cultural meanings, challenges, and benefits of gerontechnologies. Particular emphasis will be given to placing both population aging and technological change in a broader social perspective.
When Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Social Sciences
Global Issues and Perspectives
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 705 - Sexuality and Aging Credits: (3)
Sexuality is one important component of well-being throughout the life span and growing older doesn’t eliminate the need for sexual intimacy. This course will address the infrequently discussed topic of sexuality as it applies to older adulthood. Students will learn about the physiological changes that accompany aging and affect sexuality, as well as the psychological and social impact of barriers to sexual expression, including factors such as Alzheimer’s disease, accessibility, and medications. Sexual diversity, as well as the role of family, government, and technology will also be addressed.
Requisites
Recommended prerequisite: Introductory gerontology course.
When Offered
Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 710 - Creativity and Aging Credits: (3)
What happens to creativity as a person ages? This unique class will help students to understand developmental and pathological changes in the brain that can lead to changes in creative output over time. Through hands-on experiences and direct association with older adults, students will grow an appreciation for creativity produced and inspired by older people. This course is intended to provide experiences that will help the student to create art programs for older adults.
When Offered
Spring, Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Aesthetic Interpretation
Social Sciences
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 715 - Aging Veterans Credits: (3)
Introduction to the unique issues involved with aging military veterans. Topics include basic military structure, media portrayal of war, personnel issues resulting from American conflicts since WWII, veteran benefits, cultural issues, veteran health issues and navigating a career within the U.S. federal system.
When Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 720 - Design for Aging in the Modern World Credits: (3)
This course will explore the dynamic process of aging and the role of the built environment in the, multidimensional as well as multi-spheral spaces of life-course occurring in the family, work, education, leisure as well as other domains and its relationship to the environment from a life-course perspective. The emphasis on aging and the environment will focus on how individuals and groups manage interactions associated with the social and physical settings. The course will develop students’ foundational knowledge in the theories of aging, environment and behavior, and the ecology of the aging process. These theories will be used as the basis to discuss and debate contemporary issues that confront an aging society. Three levels of the environment will be explored: the microenvironment including those products that people of all ages interact with on a daily basis; the meso (or middle) environment that includes residential and work settings that shape our relationships with family, friends, and associates, and lastly at the macro environment of our communities where people are connected to the larger social settings, services and supports that make up our cities and rural settings, both from a national and international perspective. Each of the sections covered will acknowledge how behavior is influenced by the environment and spans the life-cycle.
When Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 725 - Topics of Gerontology Credits: (2-3)
Review of recent research and theory related to specialized issues in gerontology or long-term care.
Note
May be repeated more than one semester.
Requisites
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
When Offered
Fall, Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 775 - Perspectives in Gerontology Credits: (3)
Exploration of basic concepts in gerontology through current and classic research. Themes and issues include stereotypes and myths of aging, theories of aging, research approaches in aging, and related social issues facing the elderly.
When Offered
Fall, Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 776 - Program Evaluation and Research Methods in Gerontology Credits: (3)
Overview of program evaluation, research methods, and grant writing in gerontology. Includes application of quantitative and qualitative methods in professional settings.
When Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 777 - Public Policy: Economic and Social Impacts on Older Adults Credits: (3)
Study of policy development and public policy programs associated with aging. Attention is given to the impact of policies on older adults and economic impacts of and for an aging population.
When Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 778 - Aging and the Family Credits: (3)
Investigates the issues that relate to family life in the later years from the perspective of older adults, the family and society.
When Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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GERON 779 - Professional Seminar in Gerontology Credits: (3)
Students apply and integrate knowledge gained in earlier courses and strengthen skills in ethical decisions-making through applications in gerontology-related areas such as advocacy, professionalism, family and workplace issues. Students from a variety of professions bring their unique perspective to bear on topics of common interest.
When Offered
Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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