You are in the official 2000-2001 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
You are in the official 2000-2001 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Minor in Gerontology
Certificate in Gerontology
Gerontology is the study of aging. Our nation's steadily increasing older
population is creating a unique demand for well educated individuals to
understand the field of aging and competent professionals to work with elders.
The Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program offers a minor and a certificate
in gerontology. Both are designed to prepare students to meet unmet and
urgent needs in this rapidly developing field. The Interdisciplinary Gerontology
Program attracts undergraduate students from all academic areas, e.g., reentry
students, graduate students within social science and health professions,
service providers, and elders seeking greater understanding of this stage
of life.
The study of gerontology is based upon many important theories and concepts
of aging, which are presented through an organized course of study. Core
courses - gerontology and cross-listed interdisciplinary - are designed
to present comprehensive biological, psychological, cultural and sociological
theories related to the lifelong aging process. Concepts related to the
influence of heritage, multicultures, wellness, exercise and creativity
are emphasized. Information related to Healthy People 2000, services and
resources; housing and environment; disabilities and rehabilitation; federal,
state, and local agencies; social policies and programs for elders is presented.
Students have the opportunity to develop empathy for older adults as they
explore communication and interaction with elders in a social setting. Current
research findings are presented and research opportunities are available.
The Gerontology Program is responsible for the Gerontology Minor, Gerontology
Certificate, interdisciplinary cross-referenced courses and conferences
on aging.
Other programs housed within the office of the Gerontology Program include
the California Geriatric Education Center (CGEC) San Joaquin Valley Program
- a statewide interdisciplinary center supported by a grant from the Bureau
of Health Professions, Public Health Service - provides educational offerings
for health professionals and faculty; Elderhostel Program, the Fresno Learning
Activities in Retirement (FLAIR), Friendly Visitor Services, Geriatric Nursing
Resource Center, and the Gerontology Education and Resource Center.
The Gerontology Program cosponsors the Central California Alzheimer's Diagnostic
Disease Center and the Rohlfing Medical Lectureship Series. Gerontology
Club, Elderfest, and continuing education for health professionals are also
offered in cooperation with the Division of Extended Education.
Certification and recertification classes for administrators of Residential
Care Facilities for Elderly (RCFE). CEUs for BENHA and CNAs are also offered.
The development of employment opportunities in the field of gerontology
has emerged in response to the needs of a steadily increasing older population.
Many occupational roles are available in different sites. These include
but are not limited to: federal, state, county, and city agencies, senior
citizen centers, adult day care centers, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate
care facilities, acute care hospitals, medical centers, senior housing sites,
retirement communities, home health agencies, hospices, legislative bodies,
and community planning agencies. New programs are developing in Eldercare,
case management, and consultation in business.
There is an increased recognition of the importance of designing and providing
specialized programs in the private sector. Knowledgeable people work as
consultants in banks, travel agencies, large corporations, insurance companies,
educational agencies, publishing and broadcasting agencies, and department
stores. The field is wide open for creative and innovative individuals.
The Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program Advisory Council provides overall
curricular decisions, coordination, and collaboration. The Council is composed
of representatives from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology,
the College of Arts and Humanities, the Sid Craig School of Business, the
School of Education and Human Development, the College of Engineering and
Computer Science, the College of Health and Human Services, the College
of Natural Sciences, and the College of Social Sciences.
Many members of the council teach gerontology courses in both the minor
and certificate programs. Advisory Council members are: Judith Allender
(Nursing), Carl Carmichael (Communication), Donald Coleman (Educational
Research, Administration, and Foundations), Glen C. Doyle (Gerontology),
William Fasse (Child, Family, and Consumer Sciences), John Franz (Employee
Assistance Program), Diana Gilbertson (Business Management), Phil Kimble
(Psychology), Vickie Krenz (Health Science), Hamo Lalehzarian (Engineering),
Peggy Trueblood (Physical Therapy), Rose Lyon (Kinesiology), Elizabeth Nelson
(Sociology), Matthew Sharps (Psychology), Alta Case Hall (Gerontology),
and Katsuyo Howard (Student Life and Development).
Gerontology Courses
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