USC Schedule of Classes

Introduction to adult development through the lifespan; biological, psychological, and social processes; gerontology as a career for the future.

Effects of normative aging processes on homeostatic mechanisms and how these changes relate to development of disorder and disease in later life.

How psychologists study thinking, memory, emotions, personality, and behavior, and how people change in these throughout adulthood to old age.

An introduction to the core curriculum in the study of Gerontology. Research perspectives on adult development and aging; methodological issues; personality and relationship issues; general mental and emotional components of aging; research methods.

How social relationships affect adults of different ages; the changing contract across generations; interaction of culture, race, family and social values with adult development.

Analysis of the skills, approaches and issues involved in the planning, development, and implementation of programs directed at meeting the needs of older persons.

Exploring diversity in the older population and variability in the human aging process.

Explores nutritional needs and the physiological, psychological, and sociological relationships to nutrition. Laboratory experiments in assessment and evaluation.

Methods of studying, evaluating, and treating cognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral problems associated with medical conditions of old age.

Problems and resources of the middle-aged and older woman in a changing society; including discrimination, stereotypes, employment, social interaction, etc.

Topical seminar in molecular and computational biology. Junior, senior or graduate standing.

Biomedical ethical issues that are encountered in working with geriatric patients. Examination of ethical theory and the application of theory to clinical settings.

Overview of the impact aging populations will have on global institutions from a variety of perspectives. Examination of public health policy issues.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.

Supervised experience in one or more community agencies. Graded CR/NC.

Supervised experience in a geriatric health care setting which allows students to put theories and ideas into practive. Graded CR/NC. Lecture, discussion, and fieldwork.

Advanced study of empirical approaches in gerontology. Preparation, progress, presentation, and evaluation of Senior Honors Thesis research. Standing in Gerontology Honors Program and departmental approval.

Advanced study of empirical approaches in gerontology. Preparation, progress, presentation, and evaluation of Senior Honors Thesis research. Standing in Gerontology Honors Program and departmental approval.

Advanced study of empirical approaches in gerontology. Preparation, progress, presentation, and evaluation of Senior Honors Thesis research. Standing in Gerontology Honors Program and departmental approval.

A web based course analyzing physical, mental, and social age-related changes as well as implications of population aging trends for individuals and society.

Analysis of shifting legal and regulatory issue affecting the delivery of aging services.

Branding, marketing, and consumer behavior through examination of established, transitioning and emerging aging services and organizations.

Examination of programs related to end of life care. Cultural competencies in working with a diverse population on end of life issues.

Fosters vital imaginative connections to transform ones understanding and experience of the aging process from within, in order to re-envision the aging process as a spiritual journey.

Examination of lifespan physiology of human development, growth, and aging; major emphasis in the physiology of the later years and implications for health maintenance.

Examines tools and resources used to evaluate the nutrition status of individuals across the lifespan including biochemical, anthropometric and subjective global assessment. Open only to graduate students.

A study of the principles of human nutrition throughout the life cycle. Current topics and controversies in nutrition and health are discussed. Open only to graduate students.

A study of principles and procedures for food systems including techniques of food preparation, development, modification and evaluation of recipes, menus and products. Open only to graduate students.

Discuss various factors that affect nutrition and aging. Topics include allergies in nutrition, food toxins, weight factors, and prevention and treatment of multiple organ systems. Open only to graduate students.

Theories of the biology of aging and the effects of age on functional integrity of the total organism.

Behavior from adulthood to old age; study of major components of behavior such as perception, cognitive processes, personality, intergenerational relationships, sexuality, and life styles.

Life-span perspective on the sociological theories of marriage and the family, intergenerational relationships, work and retirement, and other forms of social organization.

Major legislation and programs; examination and analysis of policy-making and political processes affecting development and implementation of programs for older persons.

Examination of current trends and future prospects of finance and reimbursement systems. Topics include major legislation and programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

Structural and organizational aspects of institutional and community programs; public policies, fiscal management, regulation, administration; obstacles to interagency coordination; the continuum of care.

Aging (commonalities and distinctions) as addressed by biologists,psychologists, and sociologists. Topics include researchperspectives, normative agings, functional decline and disability,and aging and society.

Examination of case studies of issues affecting the aging services industries and the role industry leaders play in reacting to change.

Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Supervised experiential learning in one or more organizations that serve older adults; includes a regularly scheduled seminar. Graded CR/NC.

Multidisciplinary perspectives on current research in Gerontology including physiology, neurobiology, health and medicine, psychology, sociology and public policy. Topics will change each semester.

An introduction to research methods and their application to gerontology including problem formation, research design, data collection, descriptive and analytical statistics, interpretation, and report preparation.

Examination of special topics in the area of Gerontology.

Explores concepts of molecular and genetic regulation of healthy aging, lifespan, and age-related diseases.

Critical analyses of primary scientific data and interpretations presented in the literature. (Duplicates credit in former GERO 602)

Explores scientific integrity, mentoring, scientific record keeping, authorship, peer review, animal and human experimentation, conflict of interest, data ownership and intellectual property, and genetic technology.

Mandatory organized laboratory rotation. Allows students to participate in laboratory activities. Designed to help select dissertation advisor and research.

Dynamics of the policy-making process in the context of aging policy in the United States; focus on the political system and its social dynamics.

Integrative grant writing and development of collaborative, interdisciplinary projects in gerontology as studied by biomedical, psychological, and social scientists.

Research leading up to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied toward the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded CR/NC.