Instructor:
Carl Renold, Ph. D.
E-mail: renold@usc.edu
 
Sample Syllabus (PDF)
Spring 2006

This course introduces USC students to the field of gerontology and focuses on all aspects of aging. Four major areas are being covered: the biology, psychology, sociology, and policy of aging. Career paths for gerontologists are explored, as well as the future of countries based on the aging of their population. This course provides knowledge of physical, mental, and social age-related changes; it will show the interactions of these types of aging; and describe the pathological developments that affect many older people. The course focuses on diversity in the older population that results from differing behaviors, traditions, and attitudes towards aging.

This course will provide interested persons with knowledge of physical, mental, and social age-related changes; it will show the interactions of these types of aging; and will describe the pathological developments that affect many older people. The course focuses on diversity in the older population that results from differing behaviors, traditions, and attitudes towards aging. The class will also emphasize that society is changed when the aging portion of the population increases rapidly. It is the instructors' aim to present material and encourage self-study so that useful knowledge, skill, and attitudes are developed that may be of use in the family, neighborhood, community, job, or religious institution. Aging will be one of the great influences on society in the twenty-first century.

Specifically, this course will assist individuals to:

1. Identify four areas of change (biological, psychological, sociological, and economic) experienced by older people and the implications of those changes in older individuals.
2. Increase their sensitivity to the heterogeneity of older adults.
3. Identify community resources and programs for older persons.
4. Identify and discuss issues and influences affecting the aged.
5. Develop skills in assessing indicators of normal aging and recognition of pathology as well as skills in assessing social and cultural differences in the elderly.
6. Understand that gerontology is multi- and interdisciplinary.
7. Understand and discuss how different disciplines interact to plan for and serve the older population.