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Dr. James Birren: A living legend in the field of gerontology returns to the USC Leonard Davis School to offer a course on autobiography writing

Dr. James Birren, the founding dean of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, will be returning to campus this summer to offer a course on autobiography writing.

The Guided Autobiography Method (GAB), developed by Dr. Birren himself, helps individuals to recall, organize and share life experiences.  The program uses a combination of writings and group discussions to organize and put into words the details of participant’s lives.

“People that have lived a long life have a tremendous amount of stored information,” said Dr. Birren.  “Hearing other people’s stories primes your memories – evokes responses – people will say, ‘Oh, I remember something like that.’”

Classes consist of ten weekly sessions, two hours each, followed by a two-page written response to the day’s theme.  Students share their responses each week and the final meeting concludes by making a wish for a classmate.  The wish is read aloud and is intended to show that each person’s life story has been heard and appreciated.

“After the ten weeks, you get to know the people pretty well; it’s a nice way to end the session,” said Dr. Birren. 

Themes discussed include: the major branching points in life, family history, the role of money throughout life, experience with death and the history of one’s aspirations and goals.  Elder adults have become increasingly attracted to the method and in the past several years, GAB has been offered in lifelong learning programs, long-term care facilities, churches, interfaith groups, libraries and senior centers.

This summer, Dr. Birren will be offering the course to the Andrus Center Volunteers, a group of elder community members who assist with activities throughout the Center and university.  Next semester, through the Emeritus Center, Dr. Birren will be offering the course to retired faculty and staff members.

“We are honored and pleased to be welcoming Dr. Birren back to the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology to teach his Guided Autobiography Method,” said Dr. Elizabeth Zelinski, Dean & Executive Director, William Sylvia Kugel Chair of Gerontology.  “After 17 years, it will be a homecoming.”

Dr. Birren is considered a living legend in the field of gerontology for his role in the very first meeting of the Gerontological Society of America in 1948 at the Hotel Commodore in New York City.  On the GAB website (http://www.guidedautobiography.com) he quips, “The hotel where the first GSA meeting was held has been torn down, but I’m still here.” 

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“People that have lived a long life have a tremendous amount of stored information,” said Dr. Birren.  “Hearing other people’s stories primes your memories – evokes responses – people will say, ‘Oh, I remember something like that.’”

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