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Course Descriptions for GERS (Archived)

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GERS 1301   Introduction to Gerontology (3)
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: None.
Overview of the social, psychological, and biological changes that accompany aging and an overview of the implications of these changes for the individual, as well as for the larger society. The student will compare and contract the different views of aging presented by the disciplines of biology, sociology, and psychology; demonstrate an understanding of the demographic changes due to aging experiences in the United States. The student will articulate the impact of an aging population on key social institutions such as the family, the economy, the political system, and the health care industry; effectively rebut key misconceptions regarding aging and the elderly; and identify potential career choices in gerontology. (3 Lec.)

GERS 1304   Long Term Care Activity Directing I (3)
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: None.
Role of the activity director in long-term health care facilities. Includes study of history, regulations, communications, advocacy, ethics, service delivery, and volunteer management. This course, when combined with "Long Term Care Activity Directing II" and "Practicum-Gerontology" meets the State requirements to be qualified as an activity director in Texas. (3 Lec.)

GERS 1307   Long Term Care Activity Directing II (3)
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: None.
Activity directing in long-term health care facilities. Includes assessment, care planning, documentation process, and evaluation of client needs. Also addresses program design and resources/funding. This course, when combined with "Long Term Care Activity Directing I" and "Practicum-Gerontology" meets the State requirements to be qualified as an activity director in Texas. (3 Lec.)

GERS 1310   Social Work and the Aging (3)
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: None.
Gerontological social work practice. Emphasizes principles of practice, application of research, and the formulation of policies as they relate to older adults. Includes the role of the social worker from a gerontological perspective. Introduces the student to special populations which are most vulnerable: aging women, aging people of color, the disabled, and aging homosexuals. (3 Lec.)

GERS 1342   Aging and Mental Health (3)
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: None.
Introduction and analysis of current knowledge and concerns related to psychological aging. Includes the theoretical and empirical foundations relevant to the psychological study of the later part of the life span. The course is taught from an interdisciplinary perspective and focuses on topics related to perceptual, cognitive, personality, and interpersonal social development. Examination of issues related to psychological adjustment and death and dying. (3 Lec.)

GERS 1343   Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (3)
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: None.
Scientific study of a lifelong process of development with specific focus on the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of adult development and aging. (3 Lec.)

GERS 1392   Special Topics in Gerontology (3)
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: None.
Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. Learning outcomes/objectives are determined by local occupational need and business and industry trends. This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary. (3 Lec.)

GERS 2166   Practicum (or Field Experience) - Adult Development and Aging (1)
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: None.
Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college, and student. (7 Ext.)

GERS 2333   Legal and Ethical Issues (3)
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: None.
Exploration of the legal and ethical issues that families must consider as family members age. Emphasis on advocacy for the elderly in providing legal and financial well-being as well as knowledge regarding the access of social and medical programs for the elderly. (3 Lec.)

GERS 2366   Practicum (or Field Experience) - Adult Development and Aging (3)
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: None.
Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college, and student. (21 Ext.)

GERS 2432   Advanced Activity Director (4)
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: None.
An advanced course for activity professionals which includes activity department responsibilities, a system for developing an activity program, administrative practices of the activity profession, and communication techniques to be used in a facility and for dealing with the public. (3 Lec., 2 Lab.)

Academic Courses
Designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for transfer among community colleges and state public four year colleges and universities as freshman and sophomore general education courses.

WECM Courses
Designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as workforce education (technical) courses offered for credit and CEUs (Continuing Education Units). While these courses are designed to transfer among state community colleges, they are not designed to automatically transfer to public four year colleges and universities.

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