Course Description

Gerontology 520 will introduce graduate level students to the issues, concepts, and research methodology of life-span developmental psychology, with emphasis on older adulthood (young- and old-old age). Topics will include: longitudinal methods, cognitive aging (perception, memory, learning, etc.), life span developmental issues (intelligence, wisdom, expertise, personality, emotion), relationships, well-being, and mental health (depression, dementia, etc.). Emphasis will be placed on integration of research in both the pure and applied research domains. For MSG students, this course will act as a foundation for applied courses that will be taken later in your degree program. It will provide an overview of the scientific basis for applied topics (e.g., counseling, program evaluation).

Goals and Objectives

The major goals of this course are to:

1. develop critical thinking about psychological research and aging, and
2. gain insight on psychological issues in aging,
3. develop a greater understanding of methodology,
4. integrate knowledge with your professional and personal beliefs.