Gerontology
The Gerontology Gerontology (GERON) Courses
GERON 300 Sociology of Aging
- Same As:SOC 335
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGRD 110 and ENGWR 101 or ESLR 340 and ESLW 340 and ESL 114; and FCS 324; and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area III(b); CSU Area D0; CSU Area E1; IGETC Area 4J
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2023
In this course students will examine the aging process with emphasis on social factors affecting and effected by an aging population. The course includes an analysis of demographics, history of aging in America, social conditions, resources and support systems, employment, retirement, social class, and cultural differences. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their status in the sociology of aging process. (Credit awarded for GERON 300 or SOC 335.)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the field of social gerontology and population trends in the U.S. and worldwide.
- identify historical and cross-cultural issues in aging.
- identify cognitive changes that occur as one ages, including personality and mental health.
- analyze the significance of love, intimacy, and sexuality in later life.
- contrast social theories of aging including social supports and intergenerational relationships.
- predict special needs in living arrangements as one ages.
- assess the significance of paid and nonpaid roles in later life.
- develop an awareness of social policies and issues that may have an impact on oneself (the student) as one grows through the process of aging.
- identify special concerns of ethnic minorities and older women.
- describe the process of dealing with death and bereavement- physically, cognitively, and emotionally.
- cite biological theories regarding physiological changes with age.
GERON 301 The Biology and Physiology of Aging
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b); AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2023
This course provides a broad examination of the biological principles that cause aging and age-related disease. Concepts covered in this course include the following: how the rate of biological aging is measured, what mechanisms underlie cellular aging, genetic pathways that affect longevity in various organisms, and consideration of the implications of modulating the rate of aging and longevity. This course is intended for college students in a variety of majors.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the basic concepts in the biology of aging.
- evaluate the tools and techniques available for measuring biological aging.
- describe cellular aging and how that differs from organismal aging.
- describe the factors that influence aging, health during aging, and longevity.
- analyze the diseases associated with aging and their most common causes.
- discuss possibilities for the future of biogerontology and aging.
- describe the concepts, principles, theories, and methodologies of science.
- explain experimental methodology, testing of hypotheses and systematic questioning in the field of aging research.
GERON 302 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging
- Same As:PSYC 374
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGRD 110 and ENGWR 101, OR ESLR 340 and ESLW 340, and ESL 114, and FCS 324/PSYC 370, and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b); CSU Area D9; CSU Area E1; IGETC Area 4I
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2023
This course examines the physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects of the aging process including the interactions between the elderly and the rest of society. Topics include an analysis of stereotypes, social connections, environmental influences, sexuality, physical health, mental health, death, and bereavement. Credit may be earned for either PSYC 374 or GERON 302, but not both.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- examine and discuss different theoretical perspectives used in explaining adult development and behavior.
- explain the normal aging changes and analyze how lifestyle choices influence the aging process.
- analyze and discuss how ethnic diversity influences the aging process.
- analyze the values of different cohorts and how those values impact the aging experience.
- analyze the financial costs of aging in terms of retirement planning, Social Security, pensions, and health care programs.
- compare alternative living environments in terms of appropriateness and affordability.
- compile a diversity of resources, local and otherwise, available to support successful aging.
GERON 494 Topics in Gerontology
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:9 - 72 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 101 and ENGRD 110 with a grade "C" or better.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2023
This course is designed to examine current issues or specific topics relevant to the field of gerontology. The particular topics to be covered each semester will be determined by gerontology staff. This course may be taken one time. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- discuss various concerns of aging and old age.
- identify issues related to quality of life in late adulthood.
- describe abilities and skills essential in elder care.
GERON 495 Independent Studies in Gerontology
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2023
This course involves an individual student or small groups of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses, pursuant to an agreement among college, faculty members, and students. Independent study offers students an opportunity to explore topics in gerontology that are beyond the scope of the courses we currently offer. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- discuss and outline a proposal of study (that can be accomplished within a one semester term) with a supervising instructor qualified within the discipline.
- demonstrate competence in the skills essential to mastery of the major discipline of study that are necessary to accomplish the independent study.
- prepare a written and/or oral report summarizing the results achieved from the independent study.
GERON 498 Work Experience in Gerontology
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:30 - 300 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:According to Education Code Title 5 regulations, a student must be in a paid or unpaid job, volunteer position, or internship.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2023
According to Title 5, code 55252, Occupational Work Experience Education is supervised employment extending classroom - based occupational learning at an on-the-job learning station related to the student's educational or occupational goal. This course is designed for students working in a paid or unpaid job, volunteer position or internship directly related to their major. The course will provide students with a structured program designed to teach them new soft skills and employability skills that will assist them in securing a job in the future and an opportunity to explore occupational interests that will assist them in the academic major and career decision making process. The student must have a job, volunteer, or internship position secured to remain enrolled in the course. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce; responsibilities of an intern or employee in a workforce setting; completion of Title 5 Education Code documents (i.e. Student Application, Learning Objectives, Time Sheet, and Evaluation), that document the student's progress and hours spent in the workplace; and development of workplace soft skills and employability skills relevant to the 21st century workplace. Learning objectives will be developed between the student, employer, and Work Experience Instructor to best meet the students level of learning. During the semester, the student is required to complete 37.5 hours of related paid work experience, or 30 hours of related unpaid work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 37.5 or 30 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. This course may be taken up to 4 times when there is new or expanded learning on the job for up to 16 units. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply academic knowledge through the application of a structured, supervised, and on-the-job experience.
- demonstrate increased knowledge of personal skills to apply to future workplace settings, such as communication skills, interpersonal skills, and networking.
- apply career awareness and knowledge, gained through exploration of volunteer and general work experience opportunities, to assist in choosing a major or career path.
- In addition to the learning outcomes above, the student, worksite supervisor, and the Work Experience instructor will work together to create at least three student learning objectives using the Title 5 Statement of Learning Objectives and the Work Experience Education Agreement.
GERON 499 Experimental Offering in Gerontology
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2023
This is the experimental courses description.
