You are in the official 2001-2002 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
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. There is an active student Gerontology
Club.
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, and the Gerontology
Education and Resource Center.
The Gerontology Program cosponsors the Gerontology Club 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 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
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), Hamo Lalehzarian (Engineering), Peggy
Trueblood (Physical Therapy), Matthew Sharps (Psychology), Katsuyo
Howard (Student Life and Development), and Jan Slagter (Women's
Studies).
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