Gerontology Certificate of Achievement

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this program will be able to:

• Define and explain the key concepts associated with the study of aging and the study of Gerontology.
• Identify and explain the physical, social, familial, and community support networks for aging individuals.
• Explain the changes in the roles and activities of the elderly historically and in contemporary society.
• Compare and contrast the three main sociological theories as they apply to the study of Gerontology.
• Apply social theories to analyze current and historical topics associated with the study of aging and gerontology.
• Evaluate current social research on the study of aging and gerontology.
• Describe the role that culture plays in aging.
• Explain how various social locations such as class, race, gender, age, and sexuality are vital to the study of aging and gerontology and may result in social inequality.
• Identify specific social problems aging adults experience and explain their cause-effect patterns.
• Explain the demographics trends of aging.
• Identify the life cycle transitions.
• Explain the role that politics, voting, and activism have on the older population.
• Identify and evaluate community support services and agencies focused on the aging community.
• Explain and analyze the various social policies that affect the elderly.
• Explain end-of-life issues and decisions, the current death system, and the challenges of the death system.
• Explain and analyze issues of bereavement, grief, and mourning.
• Research and critically analyze specific topics on death and dying.

Core/Required Courses

• PSYC 125 PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING 3 Units *
• SOC 125 SOCIOLOGY OF AGING 3 Units *
• SOC 126 DEATH AND DYING 3 Units *
• SOC 180 INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY 3 Units
• Select from Restricted Electives 6-9 Units